One of the first questions you may ask when your child is about to go on their first educational trip abroad is whether to give them cash or rely on their phone for payments. Based on our experience, one of the safest and most practical options is a prepaid card like Revolut <18.
Safety in case of loss or theft
If your child loses cash, the money is gone. A prepaid card, however, can be frozen instantly via the app app and replaced easily, with the remaining balance staying safe.
Mobile payments also pose risks. If a phone is lost or stolen, your child may lose access to both their money and sensitive personal data. Even if their smartphone is protected with a password or biometrics, recovering everything can still be complicated and stressful.
Parental control and supervision
Prepaid cards like Revolut <18 offer you the ability to link your account to your child’s card, monitor spending in real time, and load money instantly. This means you stay in control, while your child enjoys a sense of independence.
Smart money habits in action
A core part of the Lingua Trips experience is encouraging independence within a safe environment. With a prepaid card your child can start developing responsible financial habits. They learn to keep track of what they spend, stick to a budget, and avoid overspending.
You can set daily or weekly limits and block specific categories of purchases. During our trips, we provide you with a suggested budget so you can load your child’s card accordingly. Before excursions or if your child wants to make a bigger purchase, they can simply call you, and if you agree, you can instantly transfer the extra funds through the app.
Perfect for international use
Prepaid cards work smoothly abroad without the extra fees often charged by traditional bank cards. They can be used in shops, restaurants, ATMs and for online purchases. Mobile wallets might not always be accepted and often need Wi-Fi or mobile data access. A physical card is more reliable, especially for children travelling abroad for the first time.
Comparison examples:
Scenario 1: A child carries €150 in cash and loses their wallet. The money is gone.
Scenario 2: A child relies solely on their phone for payments and it gets stolen. They lose access to both money and sensitive information.
Scenario 3: A child uses a Revolut <18 prepaid card. They lose the card. You freeze it through the app, a new one is issued, and no money is lost.
Why we recommend Revolut <18 for our educational trips
- Easy to set up and child-friendly
- Linked to your account for easy management
- Real-time alerts for every transaction
- Reliable and widely accepted internationally
- Free card delivery within a few days
You can sign up easily via our link:
Tips for safe use:
- Practise using the card together with your child before the trip
- Discuss basic safety tips, such as never sharing their card PIN
- Check their first few transactions together to offer guidance
- Encourage them to use their card with their smartphone but do not rely solely on digital wallets
Preparation is the key to a safe, smooth and enjoyable trip. With a prepaid card you can help your child feel confdent and independent while you stay reassured and in control. We also use Revolut cards ourselves during our teips, as they provide excellent security and especially in countries like the UK with a different currency, highly competitive exchange rates.
Would you like your kid to enjoy a safe, positive experience abroad? Start planning today their educational trip this summer with Lingua Trips! And if setting up a Revolut <18 card seems confusing, don’t worry, we are here to help you every step of the way!
