Does a multi-currency card help you?
What is a multi currency card?
This is a card that works like
plastic money, where you can make purchases with a quick swipe, just as you
would with your credit card. You can use it at ATMs and recognised VISA enabled
points of sale, is prepaid in nature and can be loaded with dollars, euros or
pounds, but can be used in the local currency of any country you visit.
No more hassles with finding money
exchanges, cashing traveller’s cheques, or carrying wads of cash. We’re talking
anytime, anywhere, instant access to funds.
Advantages of the multi currency
card
There is, first and foremost, the
convenience that this facility affords: you can pay in the currency with which
you are most familiar, which means your shopping experience is positive from a
financial aspect, because the decisions you make will be confident, and
informed.
There are no surprises with the
multi currency card - what you pay for on your travels, is what is reflected in
your card statement, exactly.
Unlike the credit card, there is no
transaction fee associated with any transfer, exchange, or purchase. In fact,
the annual fee on most international credit cards is much higher.
With credit cards, the rate of
exchange applied is the day’s rate, which might not be favourable. With the
multi currency card, the rate of exchange is fixed the day you purchase the
card.
And the security of your cash is
stepped up, because the card is protected by a secure PIN (Personal
Identification Number) which prevents anyone else from using the card, even if
it is lost or stolen. If you do misplace your card, all you have to do is call
the respective company’s Phone Banking numbers, for a replacement card to be
issued within 48 hours.
While Travellers Cheques are
accepted only at select locations for purchases or encashment, multi currency
cards are accepted everywhere Visa credit and debit works. You can use this
card to withdraw cash in the local currency wherever you are.
You only spend what you need so you
don’t have to carry any extra cash.
For retailers, it means an increase
in sales, opening up markets where the dollar and the euro don’t hold sway
(such as small towns and villages for local handicrafts), and a reduction in
customer service inquiries.
The retailer enjoys the added
benefit of customer loyalty and building relationships with repeat customers.
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