Cash Or Travellers Cheques

[Norbert_Of_Penge]

Its our first visit to Florida in April and based on most of the literature I've read I was intending some cash, with the rest in US Dollar Travellers cheques.
Having spoken to a couple of people that are frequent visitors they are suggesting that we'd be better off taking cash only (And nothing larger than $20 - based on a tips,tolls and sundries policy with the food/shopping going onto the credit card - we already have the theme park tickets)

From a security point of view I'd be more comfortable with travellers cheques but I'd welcome some views from the Forum.

Cheers
Norbert

 

[Mpet]

Hi

I'm sure you will get many variations in response to your post!

We take half & half. Yes, travellers cheques are more secure, but you need to keep a note of the cheque numbers you've spent, so if you do lose some, you know which ones you can claim for.

A lot of people will say take minimum cash and use a credit card. personally, I don't like the idea of running up a big bill on my credit card, so I like to save up beforehand and use my credit card if I see some wonderful bargain I can't resist near the end of my holiday!

Maxine

 

[bluecdr]

Take some dollars and use credit card to pay bills or use an ATM to get more cash. You can find ATMs in the theme parks and some hotels.

 

[signtalker]

we take nearly all TC's and a small amount of cash approx $150 to get us through the first day or so.
CC is used ONLY in an emergency.That way when we return, no CC bill to think about paying off which is heaven!.

Jules

 

[Scottish_Maleficent]

We like to save before we go, and so we take mainly TC's - but we do take some cash. We only use CC's and our bankcard at ATM's in emergency (like urgent snow globe purchases................ )

Cath

 

[onlyholly]

We use our credit card/s (we take a couple each in case of loss etc) as we get a better exchange rate and pay it off as soon as we get back.

If you can't trust yourself with a credit card then maybe this is not for you but we don't have a problem with that side of things ourselves - we make sure we have it before we spend it.

Holly

 

[Disney owl]

Again we take both & find it works out OK.

we change the kids money to cash which is easier for them.

Its not like in Europe wher you have to cash your TC, in USA you use the TC to pay with either in shops or restaurants. You may be asked for identification but we have never found this a poblem.

 

[Lisa1976]

For our next trip in March we are taking $200 in cash and the rest in travellers cheques. We found this to be good as every where we went they accepted the travellers cheques like cash, even in the disney park shops, you do get the change in dollars but thats fine. I just find it safer to take TCs.

 

[JohnnySharp]

Over the years we have moved away from Traveller's cheques and now mostly take Dollar currency.

TC's are great for shopping but not much else, currency is much more easier to use.

I think a mixture of currency value is a good idea, we tend to have a few $100 TCs and then the currency is split from $50 down to $1 dollar bills.

Must admit though the majority of our money for our holiday this coming April is in small currency, just the way it has worked out but I would rather have this than a stack full of $100s.

I guess it depends also whether you are taking a credit card for shopping etc

 

[Stitch's Greatest Fa]

We take enough cash for the first day or so, then the rest in Traveller's Cheques as you spend them likke cash anyway. We also take our credit card as a 'just in case'.

 

[paulh]

Cash,CC or TC they will accept the lot and you will spend a lot. we go for the TC+CC as this gives more flexability and more insurance
Paulh

 

[amf]

In the past we've gone for the CC and ATM approach with a few hundred $ cash as a starter for ten - got Nationwide CC and Current Account so no foreign currency loading.

For July, we've jumped and got 50/50 TCs and $ because the rates are so good. Possible mistake, but we're happy with the rates we got If need be we can put by some of the $/TCs by till next year.

 

[yourwelcome]

I am suprised nobody has used their debit cards?

I have used mine on numerous occassions and only pay the prevailing exchange rate. saves the hassle of carrying alot of cash around with you.

have a look at the back of your debit card and see what the clearing symbol is. I think mine is cirrus. I asked at the abbey if this was accepted in the usa and they said yes. As i said I have never had a problem other than post 9/11 when ID was asked for everywere.

p.s. as long as your card has the visa symbol on the front.

 

[SidB]

Take at least $20 in $1 bills. It makes it much easier if you need to tip anybody, drivers, porters etc.