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THERE’S NOTHING QUITE like the feeling of hopping on a plane with nothing ahead but blue skies, sun-drenched beaches, and time to relax. But financial stress can sneak into even the most well-planned getaways, especially when it comes to managing money abroad. That’s where the An Post Money Currency Card, powered by Mastercard®, and the An Post Money app come in, giving you full control, total transparency, and peace of mind wherever your travels take you.
We spoke to Paul Merriman, financial expert and founder of Ask Paul, who shared his top travel money tips, and why this prepaid card could be your smartest travel companion yet.
Plan smarter to avoid hidden costs
When most people plan a trip, they budget for flights and accommodation but as Paul Merriman explains, “It’s the add-ons that catch you out.” Here are a few costs he says every traveller should account for in advance:
“Mapping out these line items early means no mid-trip money panics,” Paul advises.
Eliminate exchange rate guesswork
Ever find yourself on holiday constantly asking, “Wait, how much is that in euros?” The An Post Money Currency Card removes the headache of currency conversion. Load your chosen currencies at a locked-in exchange rate before you leave, so you know exactly how much you’ve got in pounds, dollars, or other currencies, no mental maths required.
“When you use the card abroad, you’re spending from your pre-loaded currency balance,” says Paul. “You’re not at the mercy of daily exchange rate fluctuations or mystery bank charges. That means no surprises on your statements later.”
Ditch the cash
Carrying a pocket full of foreign cash might feel practical, but it also comes with risk. From pickpocketing to misplacing a wallet, once cash is gone, it’s gone.
“The beauty of the Currency Card is that it works like a debit card but without linking the card to your main bank account,” says Paul. “You can request a second card at purchase, so if your card is lost or stolen, you can block the card in the app, and continue to spend on your second card.”
The card also avoids dynamic currency conversion (DCC) fees, those sneaky surcharges added when merchants let you pay in euros instead of the local currency. “By forcing the transaction in the local currency, you keep control and avoid paying 2-5% more per purchase without realising it,” Paul explains.
Real-time top-ups
Holidays rarely go exactly to plan and sometimes that’s a good thing. Whether it’s a spontaneous city tour or a luxurious dinner upgrade, unexpected costs can crop up.
“With the An Post Money app, you can top up your Currency Card instantly, no matter where you are,” Paul says. “Forget scrambling to find an exchange bureau or accept a bad rate at the airport. It’s quick, transparent, and you know exactly what you’re paying.”
Transparent fees and built-in value
The Currency Card is refreshingly fee-transparent:
Paul believes smart travel spending is about planning and protection, and the Currency Card ticks both boxes. Here’s why he’s a fan:
As long as you’ve preloaded the right currency, you won’t be hit with foreign transaction fees. It’s an easy way to keep your holiday budget on track without worrying about hidden costs sneaking in. Ready to Travel Smart? This summer, swap the stress for sun.
With the An Post Money Currency Card and An Post Money app, you get a powerful combination of convenience, control, and cost-efficiency – so you can focus on enjoying the journey, not fretting about your finances.
An Post Money Currency Card is issued by PPS EU SA pursuant to license by Mastercard®️ International. PPS EU SA is authorised by the National Bank of Belgium and is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland for conduct of business rules. Mastercard and the circles design are registered trademarks of Mastercard International Incorporated.
Learn more and apply now at AnPost.com/Money.
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