Do you ever use Traveler's Checks???

[donnab2005]

I was wondering if anyone evey uses Traveler's Checks while on Vacation. I have never used them so I was wondering how easy and convenient they are to use. I don't want to take alot of cash on our trip. I am afraid of it being lost or stolen so I thought I would ask about using Traveler's Checks. Are Traveler's Checks accepted everywhere? Like Gas Stations and gift shops etc. I would appreciate any info or thoughts and suggestions. I do not want to use a credit card so I thought this might be a better alternative?????

 

[oogieboogie]

We went just this last trip and took down $1K worth of travelers checks consisting of $100 denominations.

Everywhere we used it, they accepted it just fine, no problems whatsoever. At Disney, we used it at the counter services, I used it at the ice cream carts one time and they had no problem taking it.

When you get TCs just sign your name on one line. That way only you can use it because you have to sign the other line in front of the cashier. Also, keep the purchase slip as it has the phone number to call in case you lose it and the serial numbers so that it can be replaced easily.

Definitely much safer than carrying cash.

 

[BriansTinkerbell]

Nope we have never used Travelers Checks before. We just usually use our Dept card or a credit card. somtimes money depends on how much we spend.

 

[we3disneygo]

we use travelers check every trip!

 

[Marseeya]

We took $1000 in traveler's checks in $50 denominations. We would take a $50 with us and keep the rest in the safe and it worked out really well. We never had a problem with anyone accepting them.

Mostly, though, we charged everything to our room and kept the receipts. We would put it all in an envelope and add enough traveler's checks to cover the receipts and paid it all off at the end of our stay. At AKL, we had something like $1500 in credit.

 

[teacherforhi]

I could be wrong, but I think that American Express offers a traveler's check card now. You put as much money as you want and can use it anywhere American Express is taken.

 

[Jalva22]

We take very, very little cash. Charged most things to the room card, and used credit cards for almost everything else. Even most of the fast food chains we like take them now. Best of all (for this dusty old accountant), I had receipts at the end of the trip for almost every penny I spent, so I could tell exactly where the money went (and I use them to track our spending during the trip). Helps me know how much to budget for food, souvenirs, etc on future trips. One caution is to have one credit card in one person's wallet with a different bank card on the other person. If one gets lost, you can notify the issuer and still have the other card available to use.

 

[roberrl187]

I use travelers checks because my debit card is with a credit union and the daily limit is only $500. I don't like to remember to pay things off regularly at the front desk. To worrysome.

I saw a post that mentioned the American Express Card and the post said that they were also offering a companion airfare to go with the card. I checked out the American Express card site and the offer is good until 10/15/05. Sounds like a good deal. Go to www.americanexpress.com and click on the link for "Travelers Cheque Card"

 

[donnab2005]

If we use the Traveler's Checks I would get them from my AAA office. I don't want to use a card because it is harder to keep track of how much money you have left. That is why I was considering Traveler's Checks. Do most Gas stations accept them. Since we are drive to WDW if was curious if the Gas Stations and restaurants will accept the Traveler's Checks.
Does anyone know???

 

[kirbsam]

I used travellers checks when i go to wdw. I have never had a problem using them anywhere, including gas stations. They are accepted the same as cash.

 

[mhingher]

I have never used Travelers Checks. I don't bring much cash with me, and I use my debit Visa whenever I can. I think it's much easier.

 

[Kristi1357]

We also use traveler's checks - no problems at all. Much safer than cash, but also a great way to save & plan.

About 6 mos. or so before a trip, we start "buying" traveler's checks at our credit union every pay period. I then put them in the safe and we always have $1-2k before our trip for spending money & food.

 

[TLC371]

I used to use traveler's checks all the time when I travelled. I don't ever remember having a problem with using them. Now, I just use my Visa debit card when we go on trips, and take some cash with us.

 

[Leota]

I've used Traveler's Checks to many destinations. I've never had any trouble using them at restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores etc... I have used them in WDW without problems either.

 

[Laugh O. Grams]

I could be wrong, but I think that American Express offers a traveler's check card now. You put as much money as you want and can use it anywhere American Express is taken.

Amex must be doing this to compete with Visa Debit cards, since Visa now insures all purchases and gets your money back if your card is stolen, which was the big draw for using paper Travelers Checks. Most people like the convienence of simply keeping a card in their wallet.

 

[Zoemakes5]

We usually use half and half. I purchase the ones that allow you both DH and I to use them without the other one there. I get a variety of denominations. Haven't had any trouble using them anywhere, fast food and gas stations included, except....sometimes it takes a little longer at check out because since t.c.'s aren't used very often, cashiers may be unfamiliar with how to ring it up and I've had some slight issues with cashing larger denominations when we needed a lot of change back. (This actually happened to us in the middle of the night getting gas. The gas station was open, but couldn't cash the $100 travelers check for $30 in gas so late at night. Probably not your typical experience, but since you specifically said you were driving down.....)

 

[billylen]

I use travelers checks as a supplement to my travel. When we cruise or visit WDW most items are paid for in advance. I try to avoid using credit cards (unless I am going for the miles, but I pay off the balance when the bill is received), I keep some cash and travelers checks (or cheques ) available. The cash is ususally about $100 or so. The amount for the checks varies. I have never lost any money, but the checks do provide that extra protection if lost or stolen. The posters who use debit cars and credit cards are correct too, 99% of places you go to will accept them, but I like the checks for that just in case moment. You know, that out of the way place that does not accept credit cards

I also agree with another poster. Sometimes I will pay myself out of the checks while on vacation, so when I am done the trip is all paid for. (like any charges on my cerdit card are accounted for out of my cash and travleres check balance.

Hope this helps

 

[Candy]

If you are staying at a WDW resort hotel you can exchange some of your travelers cheques at the hotel and have the credit put on your room key.that way you can charge everything with out having to carry travelers cheques in the parks and just top it up as you go along.

 

[bobbiwoz]

We too always bring some $50 travelers checks with us, and have never had a problem using them.

Bobbi

 

[goofyernmost]

I always budget how much I intend to spend on the trip and take about 1/3 or that in Travelers checks. The rest goes on Credit Cards to be paid off as soon as I return home. Cash...I usually start out with about $100.00 from home and that is it. Then if I need cash, I use a Travelers Check. It really isn't any hastle and I have never experienced a location that didn't take them with the exception of Canada Rail (what a nightmare that was).

Travelers checks are easy to keep track of because they have visable denominations and are not easily forged and have a really good policy of return if lost or stolen.

If you are just going to use credit cards that is OK but if you need cash, and you will, it can be pretty costly. I strongly recommend combining Credit cards and Travelers checks but never, never, never just cash. Best way to ruin a vacation that I can think of.