Do you use traveler's checks?

[bamamom]

We do not use credit cards, so I was wondering what most of you do that don't use CC's as far as your money at Disney. Do you use travelers checks, cash or your debit cards? I'm a little reluctant to take our debit cards in case we lost it or something in the parks. I was considering travelers checks but was wondering what most of you do....

 

[Iluvthemouse]

We never use travelers checks. I give DH some money and I hide money all over for the rest.

 

[keishashadow]

At the risk of dating myself, I've used traveler's checks for 30 years & think they're great. Most places accept them & I've always been able to convert a few @ the resort desk for cash.

I would never dream of taking my debit card on vacation...if lost, it's a license to print money for the finder.

AAA offers memers no-fee checks and I always "over-purchase" them, so I can bring home "seed money" for the next trip. I like having them on hand during the vacation for unexpected expenses/splurges that tend to crop up.

AAA does offer a pre-paid/pre-loaded card similar to traveler's checks. It does have a fee, but can be re-loaded when you need it. There are restrictions as to how much you can put on a card though.

Lately, I'm obsessed with obtaining rewards/miles on my CC's and have begun to run many of my daily purchases through - paying them off @ the end of the month; but still accruing points.

 

[Hodder]

I have mostly travelers cheques 1/2 in my name & 1/2 in hubby's name. We also have a small amount of cash that the children saved up.

I do bring a few dollars for tips for our first day of arrival as all we would have is Canadian.

 

[hauntedmansion]

We bring our debit card. We get almost all trav. checks and some small bills for tips. We get the duel signature checks at AAA for free.. I have a friend who traveled to Aruba years ago and lost her pocketbook on the way to the hotel 1/2 their spending money was in it. No travelers checks, Itwas the 1st day of vacation!! BUMMER

 

[Dis4the1sttime]

We always bring our debit card, plus cash. We have an extra checking account that we use only when traveling. Just put your spending money for the trip in the account. That way you only have access to your budget for the trip.

If you lose your debit card, it is just like a credit card. Notify the bank and you have a minimal level of resposibility. The money will be replaced. Do double check with your bank for their policy because each institution is different.

 

[KAMommy]

I got traveler's checks once, and I was annoyed with them. We travel with our debit card. I work at the bank so I know the policies. If you lose your card, you notify the bank and they immediately cancel it, and they can usually look and tell if anyone has even attempted a charge since you last used the card and cancel those pending transactions before they ever hit your account. (This I know from experience - threw my debit card away with trash while pumping gas. ). Anyway, I would check with your bank, but these cards are generally very safe.

 

[keishashadow]

In a previous life, I too worked @ a financial institution. Although banks are federally & individually state regulated, they have different policies as to lost/stolen credit cards & debit cards; which they provide you when you receive your card.

If your debit card has a VISA logo: your liability can be affected depending on how long you wait to report the missing card; along with any $/day withdrawal limits associated with your card. Typically, you are on the hook for $50 for each card you lose, unless you have loss/travel guard for your cards.

The absolutely safest way to use/carry a debit card is:

Do not sign the card...where the signature block is located...in ink, print "See Photo Identification"

You must also carry a photo id with you; but this prevents anyone from using your card (assuming the clerks check the id).

Of course, you should check with your own bank. But, it has been widely reported that most theives will not bother attempting to use cards signed in this matter.

 

[goofiecrazy]

We use them when we go as well plus we bring Disney $$ and cash..With the Disney Dollars its kinda like u already have a limit..If your checks get lost they are always replaceable just keep your reciept the bank gives you and that proves you had the checks in the first place..