Why Gift Cards are Better than Cash While Traveling
Traveling can be stressful, especially when trying to decide how to carry currency, and the types and amounts of currency to carry. Of course, cash is always a viable option, but not always easy (or recommended) to carry in large amounts. Credit cards are another option, if you don’t mind racking up credit card debt (and not all credit cards are accepted everywhere).
Another option that is safe, reliable, easy to carry, and just downright cool are gift card auctions. With this method, it is possible to obtain gift cards at a cost which is below the face value of the cards through a bidding process. Merchants such as Ukash and Amazon offer these cards at auction for a stated period of time. During this time, participants can electronically bid on the card(s) of their choice. Once the bidding has closed, the winners will receive a digital code in their inbox. This code can be used as cash internationally with no restrictions, taxes, or other encumbrances.
This means that you can carry valuables as you travel, simply with any device such as smartphone, tablet, or laptop computer. Imagine the ease of using your Ukash card through your smartphone to purchase anything you wish while shopping in London, Paris, or Vienna. No need to carry a lot of cash or worry about being robbed. Even if your smartphone is lost or stolen, once you have a replacement phone, and can access your inbox again, your money is right there, safe and sound.
Digital commerce is making the world smaller, and easier to navigate. As gift cards gain momentum as an alternative to cash while traveling, gift card auctions can actually save money by allowing the cards to be purchased at a price that is significantly lower than the face value of the card.
And isn’t it nice to know that while biking through the mountains in Spain, or relaxing on the beach in Sri Lanka, you can enjoy the scenery without having to worry about the location of your money?
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