CIBC and Air Canada Launch Game-Changing Card

Technology has changed the way we do everything. From how we listen to music and how we stay in touch with friends to how we navigate a new city and get our news. Every time I discover an innovative new app, I wonder how I ever lived without my smartphone. I’ve used it to order in-home massages, groceries and a ride to the airport. It’s my chief source of entertainment and hands down, a travel essential.

Now, I can add one more indispensable way that my smartphone makes my life as a traveler easier and less stressful. The new CIBC Air Canada AC Conversion Visa Prepaid Card is a reloadable prepaid debit card and is a game-changer for travelers. With the card’s corresponding app, travelers can purchase foreign currency whenever they need it and wherever in the world they are. That means you don’t have to carry large amounts of cash on you and the best part is that the card allows you to switch currencies.

So if you’re traveling to England and then to France (two of my favourite places to visit!), you can load pounds on your card for shopping in London, then purchase euros for all those café visits in Paris. In fact, you can load and hold up to 10 different currencies on the card: US dollars, euros, British pounds, Australian dollars, Japanese yen, Hong Kong dollars, Turkish lira, Swiss francs, Mexican pesos and Canadian dollars. It’s like having a bank in your pocket and means that you can shop like a local in 45 countries around the world. The exchange rate is locked in at the time of purchase and the card comes with chip and pin security, tap and pay and one free ATM withdrawal per country each month.

I rarely carry cash with me anymore so this card, the first of its kind in Canada, is really exciting to me. First and foremost, the convenience factor is the most appealing thing. I love the fact that once the card is loaded, you can switch between currencies without having to think about getting to a bank or worry about fluctuating exchange rates. All it takes is a few taps on your smartphone to have access to the money you need, when you need it.

I also love the peace of mind that this card can bring travelers. If you’ve ever lost your wallet or had it stolen while you’re traveling, you know what a nightmare than can be; I can imagine … I lost my passport in Estonia once so I’m familiar with stressful travel experiences! But if you lose your CIBC Air Canada AC Conversion Visa Prepaid Card, you will lose what’s on the card but since it’s not linked to your primary bank account like your debit card, you needn’t worry about someone draining your savings. And, if you do lose the card while you’re on your travels, CIBC will either send you an emergency replacement card or issue emergency cash (depending where in the world you are) so you’re not left stranded.

So the next time you’re packing your bags and running through your list of essentials, from your toothbrush to your passport, don’t forget to make sure your CIBC Air Canada AC Conversion Visa Prepaid Card is in your wallet. It will quickly become your favourite way to pay for your purchases, withdraw local currency from ATMs, shop online and make purchases over the phone. This card does it all and is one of the handiest things a traveler can pack.

This post is sponsored by CIBC but all opinions expressed within are my own.