Cashing Travellors cheques...

[grover]

Do you need to have your id with you??
G in W

 

[SyracuseWolvrine]

Perhaps not required, but a good idea.

 

[Dolphin_Girl008]

I've always used TC at WDW...I've never been asked for an id.

 

[CarolA]

You should have your ID with you. I know they ask at AKL since I saw them cashing someones the last time I was there.

I don't use them at Disney, but have been asked for ID in Europe every time I have ever used one.

 

[totalia]

As a hotel front desk clerk, I have a real dislike of traveler's checks. Seems like when people use them is always when we are busy and for some reason, it takes the guest forever to fill the things out. They always hold up the line and make everyone wait.

Real checks are the same. Most places will not accept real checks because they take days to go through the bank. Credit cards and interac and cash are immediate. You can't trust a check anymore.

I know it sounds horrible regarding checks that the hotels don't trust them (I mean, YOU aren't going to do anything so why shouldn't the hotel trust you right?) but the hotel honestly doesn't know you and doesn't know whether they can trust you or not so it errs on the side of safety for them and just doesn't believe anyone is trustworthy.

It's the same reason why a deposit is asked for if you pay with cash.

Cash is also unbelievably frustrating. It's the single worst thing to deal with at the desk since somehow there seems to always be errors at the end of the day.

Credit cards and bank cards are quick, easy and make things so much simpler for the clerks and much quicker and easier for the guest.

Plus, in a bit of selfish thinking, if there is an error, a credit card is much easier to trace than cash. Cash can take HOURS to fix if theres a problem.

 

[grover]

Originally posted by totalia
As a hotel front desk clerk, I have a real dislike of traveler's checks. Seems like when people use them is always when we are busy and for some reason, it takes the guest forever to fill the things out. They always hold up the line and make everyone wait.

Real checks are the same. Most places will not accept real checks because they take days to go through the bank. Credit cards and interac and cash are immediate. You can't trust a check anymore.

I know it sounds horrible regarding checks that the hotels don't trust them (I mean, YOU aren't going to do anything so why shouldn't the hotel trust you right?) but the hotel honestly doesn't know you and doesn't know whether they can trust you or not so it errs on the side of safety for them and just doesn't believe anyone is trustworthy.

It's the same reason why a deposit is asked for if you pay with cash.

Cash is also unbelievably frustrating. It's the single worst thing to deal with at the desk since somehow there seems to always be errors at the end of the day.

Credit cards and bank cards are quick, easy and make things so much simpler for the clerks and much quicker and easier for the guest.

Plus, in a bit of selfish thinking, if there is an error, a credit card is much easier to trace than cash. Cash can take HOURS to fix if theres a problem.

Why do TC take forever to fill out? You put in the date & sign your name!! It is probably quicker than waiting for a credit card transaction to be processed-some times those machines are so slow.

Anyways-I will be taking my tc--hope your not my front desk clerk wouldn't want to annoy a employee!!

The reason we take TC is it would be unwise to travel with cash...and when you travel out of the country--who wants to be dealing with the exchange on your credit card which is worse than when you actually buy TC or cash. Plus you can not alway depend on plastic--some places don't take em.

Grover in Winnipeg

Off to wdw at the end of the week--travellers cheques in tow!!

 

[maryliz]

I'm with you, grover As Canadians, we not only get hit with the extra surchage to use my CC in the US, but we are also subject to whatever the exchange rate happens to be that day. I can buy my TC when the exchange rate is good, and then my purchases are paid for in advance.

TC's are supposed to be secured. Meaning that when someone asks me for ID when I want to use them, I oblige, but not without first telling them that according to the policies outlined for the TC's showing ID is not a requirement. Basically stores are supposed to take a TC just like cash. 'Cause if it's been reported lost/stolen, it's the TC company that would still reimburse the store. The store has nothing to lose here.

I've used TC's many times at WDW and have never been asked for ID ... 'cause the CM's know the rules surrounding them

As for the person who thinks they are a pain, we only have to sign and date them. Yes, if I'm using a bunch of $10 TC's to pay a $600 hotel bill, that might take some time If it's your company's policy to record the ID number on each TC, then you need to go back to your own company and advise them that you are supposed to treat them like cash ... maybe they need to have some reassurance that they will get their money, even if the TC was misused.

Grover, you won't have any problem at WDW. When we go to the parks, that's all I take with me. My ID is in the room safe. You won't have any problems.

Mary-Liz

 

[PhotobearSam]

As a motel owner, I prefer TC's to cash. I don;t ever feel as if anyone will come rob me of my daily TC's. Then again, I'm never afraid to get robbed...I just like the fact that I don't have to rush to the bank so that there is no cash laying around.

As for it taking more time, they take moments to use...Nothing wrong there. In the 2 years we have run the motel, our cash has never been short and we have never missed charged anyone for their cash stay...

Totalia, I don't know how many cash transactions you have in one day or how many people have access to the $$$ BUT if there is so many problems with cash, maybe more training would be in order or only one person (with good math skills) should have access to the $.

I think it was a bit "unneccessary" and "unwise" to recommend against TC's for traveling. They are a safe way to have your funds on you and this way may save the user from being mugged or robbed... If you hotel has such a problem using these, maybe it should change it's policy...

My parents have a grocery store and the have people who pay in change and they have to take it...$$$$$ is $$$$ afterall....

We require an ID at check in so that when it comes time to pay we have already verifed the identity of the person with the TC's. Works well for us.

Grover, have a great wedding.
TC's are easy to use and I have only been asked for ID once...I usually have my Driver's permit on me anyways, so no problem. Go use TC's and have your funds be safe...

 

[Scratch42]

Originally posted by totalia
As a hotel front desk clerk, I have a real dislike of traveler's checks. Seems like when people use them is always when we are busy and for some reason, it takes the guest forever to fill the things out. They always hold up the line and make everyone wait.

Real checks are the same. Most places will not accept real checks because they take days to go through the bank. Credit cards and interac and cash are immediate. You can't trust a check anymore.

I know it sounds horrible regarding checks that the hotels don't trust them (I mean, YOU aren't going to do anything so why shouldn't the hotel trust you right?) but the hotel honestly doesn't know you and doesn't know whether they can trust you or not so it errs on the side of safety for them and just doesn't believe anyone is trustworthy.

It's the same reason why a deposit is asked for if you pay with cash.

Cash is also unbelievably frustrating. It's the single worst thing to deal with at the desk since somehow there seems to always be errors at the end of the day.

Credit cards and bank cards are quick, easy and make things so much simpler for the clerks and much quicker and easier for the guest.

Plus, in a bit of selfish thinking, if there is an error, a credit card is much easier to trace than cash. Cash can take HOURS to fix if theres a problem.

All I can say is when I was robbed, Thank Goodness I had these, they were the only ones that could be replaced in short notice!

Not even the cc could be given to me before we returned to Canada!

I NEVER leave home without them!LOL

scratch

 

[Mad4Dizne]

We have always used them at WDW without any problem, wouldn't travel without them!!!!!

 

[ErinInCT]

JUST got back & used tc's. Never had a problem, never asked for id, nothing. They were a breeze, would recommend them to anyone instead of cash!

 

[HappyLawyer]

well as a customer, i am not really concerned with what is easiest for front desk staff, i am concerned with what is best for me and my family, it is part of the staffs job to take the tc,
if they like it or not

 

[prncess674]

Originally posted by grover The reason we take TC is it would be unwise to travel with cash...and when you travel out of the country--who wants to be dealing with the exchange on your credit card which is worse than when you actually buy TC or cash. Plus you can not alway depend on plastic--some places don't take em.

this is untrue. You get the best rates when overseas using your CC. Exchanging cash for foreign currencies is a horrible exchange rate

 

[grover]

Originally posted by prncess674
this is untrue. You get the best rates when overseas using your CC. Exchanging cash for foreign currencies is a horrible exchange rate

Well I am only speaking for myself here...and you may notice that I am from Canada-not from overseas and I did get a better rate buying my travellers cheques than I would have using my credit card!
Regardless..this is not the issue--it seems this is off topic! My question was about using ID..not making someones job easier or where to get the best rate!
Grover in Winnipeg

 

[pampam]

I have found in WDW I have never been asked for i.d. when cashing a travelers cheque. I usually cash a travelers cheque at the resort, and I'm good for a while. I have found that when I'm off site, very often that's when I am asked for i.d., so I estimate how much $ I may need and try to make sure I have enough cash when I leave property, since it's a nusiance digging out i.d. On the other hand, I always have some form of i.d. with me eg. health card, c.c. or what ever. By the way, I lost my travelers cheques right after I landed in Orlando, and they were replaced by 9: 30 the next morning. It was just like their commercials. I think travelers cheques are great.

 

[cjeong]

Is there a charge for cashing travellers cheques at WDW? What denominations are better to use for every day use around WDW eg buy food, souvenirs etc?

 

[christianweecare]

There is no charge for cashing travelers checks at wdw. We usually bring 50's and 100's in TC's. Most mornings we will use a 50 to purchase breakfast then we have a bit of cash in the pocket for the day.