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Swiss Bankers Travel Cash

Posted by (Springfield, Guess) on

In my last post I mentioned that I plan to travel Europe w/o a credit card. But a concern I do have is if I lose, break or get my ATM card stolen. Granted its useless to anyone w/o the pin number. But I might have a fun time trying to get a new one issued to me overseas.

My idea, find a way to not keep all my eggs in one basket. While researching on the net I came across " Swiss Bankers Travel Cash" I'll post the link at the bottom.

It's a travel cash card that you can load in Euros or US dollars. And you can pick them up in a number of places in Switzerland including the Swiss Federal Railways Exchange Offices. Reading up on it, it seams like a heck of a good deal. Its like the traditional traveller's cheque has entered the plastic age.

Has anybody purchased on of theses before? Can they be purchased outside of Switzerland? Myself, I wasn't planning on heading to the country

Does anyone know if a similar travelers cash card is available in Europe?

http://www.swissbankers.ch/index.php?id=25&L=3

Posted by
769 posts

Hey Mike
the card looks cool - however - it really seems to be intended for swiss folks - since the only place to get one is in Switzerland - and you can only go to the issuer (a swiss bank or the post office) to fill it up (I think, if i read the FAQ correctly). If you were indeed going to CH for a while - that may be an option - but for what you need its probably too complex if at all doable for you. The idea is good - as a back up - and the fees are the same - so you might want to check out a similar "cash card" here from home (AAA or some banks have them too). While there is usually a fee per use - it might be a good "back up" for a few hundred dollars just incase something happens to your regular card. That said - you could proby stuff $500 of traveler checks in your money belt, but then you need a bank to get a decent rate - at least a money card could be used at POS or ATM while youd wait for any issues with ATM to resolve!

Posted by
1 posts

Anyone know what kind of exchange rate the Swissbankers travel card gets?

Posted by
32201 posts

Mike,

I had a look at the Swiss Banker's Card, but it doesn't appear this would be a realistic option for anyone outside of Switzerland. The card can apparently only be obtained at specific locations in Switzerland and can only be topped-up at the specific Bank where it was issued. That would make it very difficult for any of us to use.

You might be better to open an account with another Bank in your area, and obtain a second debit card. I always travel with at least two debit cards (on different accounts) and at least one credit card.

Cheers!

Posted by
19092 posts

I think that it is significant that although I searched the website, I couldn't find what exchange rate they charge. If they don't want you to know...

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