american express travel card?

Question

is the new card from american express where you pre pay onto it avellers and use it abroad instead of taking travellers cheques any good or is there a better alternative.If it is good what currency should i pre load it with for travelling in europe either sterling,us dollers or the euro?

Answer 1

I don't know how widely Amex cards are used around Europe but if the PrePaid cards require PIN's, they will be more secure than travellers cheques. Common sense dictates loading with Euros if travelling around Europe.

Answer 2

The downside is that some destinations do not accept this card, I have been told that they are not accepted in the Dominican Republic. They are very easy to use, just like using a credit card. You can also check your balance at any time. The only other downside that I found was that we have left $2-5 dollars on each of our two cards, and always forget to use them when on holiday. You are also charged if you take out cash off the card. I would use a regular credit card, as we tend to get better rates, and then pay for it all when you return

Answer 3

We had a nightmare with ours. We were checking of our hotel in Rio and the card was refused - by Amex. We were told there was no money left on it. We knew there was but they weren't having it. Luckily we were able to pay via a credit card. When we got home I investigated to find out that each time we had used the card there had been a double transaction. This was blatantly obvious by looking at our statement- but not to Amex. It took weeks to sort out.
We then trried to use it in Antigua ( to use up the remaining funds) only to find they didn't take it).
I wouldn't bother with it if I was you.

Answer 4

Some places do not take american express.

You might want to try the Visa type of travelers card.