Hi, all- My babysitter is headed to Italy to work as an aupair this summer. I want to give her a gift card to use on her trip. Ideally I would give her a card that has the chip and pin technology, but I can't give her an actual CREDIT card. I would need to give her a gift card with that technology. Does anyone know where I can get such a card? Thank you so much!
-LVH
Posted by
Round Rock, TX, USA
121 posts
Actually, those cards are a real pain to use in the US let alone Europe. Cash would really be a much better option. She can deposit it in her account and draw on it as she needs to. She would not have to keep up on the balance on the other card. Just my opinion
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
Idea for ANY PrePaid Visa Gift/Travel card: Don't Do It!
Posted by
OP
Raleigh, NC, USA
2 posts
The Gift recipient does not have a regular credit card. I was hoping such a gift card could function as the chip and pin credit card needed at many bus stations.
Posted by
Arctophilia, Northamptonshire, England
34932 posts
I think it is a great idea and shows lovely concern for the welfare of your babysitter. I don't know how to make it work as I have never used a gift card like that, but I wish you well. What are you doing for a babysitter now?
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
You won't be able to find a card like that in the US yet, but a regular VISA gift card will work plenty of places for her. That said, give her cash. It's a lot easier to use.
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9110 posts
Travelex used to have a pre-paid chip&pin cards available in the US, but they recently discontinued them. Go with a regular magnetic strip card, they'll still work at 90% of places that accept credit cards, and all ATM machines: http://usa.visa.com/personal/cards/prepaid/visa_travel_money.html
Posted by
Paris
1 posts
Hello Laura, Chip and PIN cards you will have to buy in Europe. Depending on the program you can have EUR, USD or GBP. Up to 2500 EUR cumulative annual loads or its equivalent in the other currencies there is no verification of identity nor proof of address but the uses are restricted. I would suggest taking a look at the website www.prepaidfinancialservices.com which is a UK based authorized and regulated issuer that issues its own PFS prepaid MasterCard in different currencies. You may want to inquire with them. Important for you to find out is where they will agree to ship, what the fees are and the load possibilities and see if this fits your needs. Good luck
Marc
Posted by
Virginia, USA
6073 posts
It is a lovely idea, but another thought would be to just give her some Euro cash. She'll be able to use it everywhere. On a couple of occasions I have given siblings a gift of foreign currency before they headed off on a trip and they have really appreciated having some cash to use on arrival.