Carmen14

Can I buy foreign currency anywhere in the Mojacar area for Canadian dollars? Course back in the UK we could just go to the post office or travel agent. Don't really want to pay rip off airport exchange rates at Madrid airport. Has anyone else needed foreign currency for a holiday while living in Spain. Thanks for any advice.

Fredbargate

I am not sure if you are buying or selling Canadian dollars?

When I go on holiday I take a little of the relevant currency with me for taxis, tips etc. then everything else is done on my N&P debit card which gives excellent exchange rates without charges.

amideislas

What, exactly, do you consider a "foreign" currency: Canadian Dollars or Euros?

I'd agree with Fred - a prepaid or debit card (particularly those issued from European banks) is usually all you need to avoid "airport" exchange rates.

missile

You can buy foreign currency at a bank, travel agent or a bureau de change.

Mitzyboy

I agree, as I said elsewhere I have a Caxton FX card which I can load with my local currency and then use more or less all over the world at FX competitve rates

missile

I use Halifax Clarity Card for purchases and to withdraw cash At ATMs.

Carmen14

Fred and amideIslas, sorry maybe I did not word the question clearly. I need to buy Canadian dollars using euros. How do I get a prepaid card then folks? Could I get one from my bank- Cajamar? And then how do I use it? Sorry being a bit thick here, but never done this before. Mitzy- could I get a Caxton FX card and put euros on it then? And where would I get the card from. And how do I get the local currency abroad?

missile

You can apply for cards on line:

Caxton fx here > https://myaccount.caxtonfx.com/Account/Register + You can fund this card in advance online. Minimum £10 advance payment is required.

Halifax Clarity here > https://www.halifax.co.uk/creditcards/clarity-card/ + You pay / clear balance online after you spend.

You cannot get those cards via Cajamar. You could get Canadian dollars in exchange for euros over the counter from Cajamar.

You can use either card to pay for purchases / obtain local currency via an ATM etc.

amideislas

In addition to Missile's advice, do you have a Spanish bank account with a debit card? Just use it in an ATM in Canada. European banks aren't all that dear on charges and exchange rates.

missile

I would agree with amideislas. Unless you intend spending a lot(?), I would suggest it is not really worth getting hung up on who has the lowest charges and best exchange rates.

Enjoy your holiday and use whatever method is most convenient to you.

Do remember to tell your card provider(s) that you are visiting Canada. You don't want to risk the inconvenience if they block your card and an expensive phone call to have it authorised.

Mitzyboy

Heres the full detail on the card I got. I charge it over the internet on their site using a credit card I registered with them. I can also access it using my mobile with an app.

It's also useful buying stuff on line in foreign currency. For instance if I buy from Germany in €, I dont get charged anything extra by the card company which was what was happening with my HSBC card and Amex (which I've now dumped).

https://www.caxtonfx.com/currency-ca...-currency-card