American Express Traveller's Cheques?

[stacy87]

This is going to sound sooooo silly i bet! lol

I am a total newbie when it comes to traveller's cheques. I've never used them in my life! lol But I have some for my upcoming trip to WDW, and was wondering if anyone out there can help me, as I'm not sure what exactly to fill in on the 2nd line of the traveller's cheque. It says

"Pay this cheque to the order of:"

What exactly do I write in this part?

One other query - they advise to keep a note of the serial numbers of each traveller's cheque - where exactly is the serial number? There's lots of numbers on them and I don't know which one is the serial number

 

[dward1961]

Hello,

The serial number is toward the top right hand corner. It should start with a couple of letters followed by numbers. Pay to the order of the store, hotel or were ever you are going to use it. Most tourist type places have stamps and they can just stamp that for you. Use caution in my area there are places that no longer take these cheques due to fraud.
I don't know if you have already purchased your cheques yet, an alternative would be a Visa or American express gift card, I think it is less of a hassle.

Have a wonderful trip!

 

[2Tiggies]

I have always used American Express Travelers Checks at Disney and never had a problem with them. Don't write anything on them. You sign them once when you get them, but don't do anything until you use them. You need to carry some photo ID on you for when you use them. If you are unsure, the CMs are happy to help and tell you what to write and where to write it.

I have used them elsewhere in Orlando with no problems and love that I dont have to stand in a line at a cash machine to get my money. I also dont carry much cash on me in general so this is an added bonus.

 

[Tinkerbell58]

I didn't know Travelers Checks were still available. My local AAA office has not carried them for years. I was told I'd have to purchase the VISA gift card instead.

If I'm going to WDW, I go to my DS to purchase a gift card to use on my vacation rather than pay the fee for the VISA gift card.

 

[disneylove69]

Wells Fargo said that they wont be carrying low denomination checks since debit cards are used almost everywhere. The pay to line is not filled out til you make a purchase. Similar to writing a check. They will give you any amount left in cash.

 

[stacy87]

Thank you everyone for your responses

I'm not planning on paying for things with the travellers cheques, just looking to cash them in when I need more cash - does each Disney resort have a desk wehere I can change the traveller's cheques?

 

[2Tiggies]

Thank you everyone for your responses

I'm not planning on paying for things with the travellers cheques, just looking to cash them in when I need more cash - does each Disney resort have a desk wehere I can change the traveller's cheques?

Hi Stacy

Yes, Guest Services can do it for you. I find it easier to just take it to the resort shop or store in the parks, buy something small and get the change in cash. I know a lot of people think they are outdated, but Florida is tourist area and Disney is no exception. They are used to these all the time. American Express is great because they are widely recognized.

 

[ZoZo]

I like using travelers checks (I get them at the credit union where I work). I get them in large denominations ($50) and use them as needed. I find it really helpful for budgeting purposes - I prefer not to use my credit or debit card when traveling, but "pay as I go!"

It also works great for me because I usually share a room with a friend. Rather than try to charge things to the room (and try to figure out whose charges are whose), I just pay for everything (meals, souvenirs, etc.) by travelers check.

I thought about using a Visa gift card, but if you have a problem with the card while you're traveling, what would you do? Our credit union carries Visa gift cards, too, but I've heard some reports of people having trouble with them. You do need to keep a "running balance" of your purchases, so you know how much is left on your card (what a hassle!). Give me old-fashioned travelers checks any day!

 

[travelin' tigger]

I like using travelers checks (I get them at the credit union where I work). I get them in large denominations ($50) and use them as needed. I find it really helpful for budgeting purposes - I prefer not to use my credit or debit card when traveling, but "pay as I go!"

Give me old-fashioned travelers checks any day!

I feel the same way. I love that I can budget $50/day at WDW and not have to worry about gift card balances.

 

[2Tiggies]

I feel the same way. I love that I can budget $50/day at WDW and not have to worry about gift card balances.

So true. That is why I have always loved them. I got a special card account which I started putting money in specifically for spending money at WDW. However, on reflection (and having read this thread again) I am going to put the balance in TCs as I have always done.

 

[ash-n-brensmom]

We used Travelers Cheques for the last two trips to WDW and we plan on using them again. One thing to note, are you staying at a WDW resort? If so, you can have the CM transfer them to your KTTW card and use it everywhere on site. We would stop at the front desk and sign over a couple at a time and use our card for purchases and tips at meals..etc... it was very convenient.