How Do You Carry Your Money?

[SmuffSheltie]

Not sure if this was the right board for this, but I didn't know exactly where it might fit in. I am planning on going to Disney World with my family (my 30 year old twin sister, my Mom, and my Dad). My Mom and I have been discussing the best way to carry our money to Disney World. I am afraid to take large amounts of cash, but I am also afraid that if I use my debit card/credit card that the bank or credit card company will put a block on it since I would be using it so far away from home. My Mom said I could talk to the bank and/or credit card company before we go, but I'm still not sure.

So how do YOU carry your money? I'm so afraid of getting all the way there and having my vacation ruined by having my cards on hold!

 

[mrsclark]

Not sure if this was the right board for this, but I didn't know exactly where it might fit in. I am planning on going to Disney World with my family (my 30 year old twin sister, my Mom, and my Dad). My Mom and I have been discussing the best way to carry our money to Disney World. I am afraid to take large amounts of cash, but I am also afraid that if I use my debit card/credit card that the bank or credit card company will put a block on it since I would be using it so far away from home. My Mom said I could talk to the bank and/or credit card company before we go, but I'm still not sure.

So how do YOU carry your money? I'm so afraid of getting all the way there and having my vacation ruined by having my cards on hold!

I agree with your mom - call your card company and put a travel alert on your card for the length of your vacation - that should take care of everything!

Also if you stay on property, I would suggest charging everything to your room using your KTTW card. The hotel will approve you for a certain amount to spend and then charge the correct amount at the end of your stay. If you do this, use a credit card instead of a debit, because when a hold could put be put on the card for the full amount you are approved for which can keep your money tied up for a couple extra days if you don't use the full amount approved.

 

[Theaberdeenkid]

I only carry around enough cash for things I can't use my debit/credit for. At disney there are few things you need cash for; balloon vendors for example.
But if you are staying on property you can charge things back to the room. That's usually my best bet. Carry a bit of cash and charge back to my room.

 

[KayW]

I always call my cc company before I go to let them know that I will be using it in another state. They put a note on the account which is great. We do bring cash for tips or small incidentals, but we mostly use the cc.

I carry mine in my wallet which is in my Baggalini bag. Great bag to have because it carries my wallet, camera, water bottle, phone, and other small items we may need.

 

[SmuffSheltie]

I ha kind of thought about using KTTW, but wasn't sure if it was a good option or not. Just wanted to talk to somebody who has used it before. We are planning to stay on property - probably at Disney All Stars Movies resort.

Can you use the KTTW at Downtown Disney?

 

[mrsclark]

I ha kind of thought about using KTTW, but wasn't sure if it was a good option or not. Just wanted to talk to somebody who has used it before. We are planning to stay on property - probably at Disney All Stars Movies resort.

Can you use the KTTW at Downtown Disney?

DH and I are making our fifth trip next September -I have never had a problem using KTTW in DTD.

 

[verleniahall]

I have heard that gift cards are the best way to go. I am planning on getting several gift cards, and also alearting my debit card and credit card companies about our travels

 

[GrammyJudy]

Whenever I travel I put a $50 bill in my bra just in case I lose my bag. But once act Disney we charge all we can to the room and only carry about $200 in cash.

 

[Eureka]

To everyone who said they call their credit/debit card companies....do you routinely get calls about your activity when you go away? One time ever in my life has the bank called us, when we bought a computer in the next state over (tax-free state). We have never had any problem using our cards when we travel, and we don't alert them. Just wondered how common it is to have them think it's fraudulent activity and not just people traveling.

 

[wysteria]

Even if they think its fraudulent it just takes a quick phone call to fix it.

 

[MrsNnr]

To everyone who said they call their credit/debit card companies....do you routinely get calls about your activity when you go away? One time ever in my life has the bank called us, when we bought a computer in the next state over (tax-free state). We have never had any problem using our cards when we travel, and we don't alert them. Just wondered how common it is to have them think it's fraudulent activity and not just people traveling.

A couple years ago we went on a long road trip that covered several states. I told the bank the day before we left that we would be traveling west, hitting multiple states, and our main destinations. They flagged our account we were traveling with our dates we would be gone and where we were going. We were never contacted or asked about any transactions. We always let them know so we don't get locked out of our money.
My brother has been contacted before when he was using his card in CA and someone else was trying to charge up the same account in Vegas. That though was obvious fraud. Another time my mother in law was called from her card company because someone purchased something online and had it shipped to another city. She never buys online, her card company is very vigilant with their customers transaction patterns.

 

[wysteria]

Last time we were at disney we just charged everything to the room, that way we didn't have to carry a ton of stuff. My husband's wallet has a chain on it, so it cannot fall out of his pocket or easily get pickpocketed and since its attached to his belt he cant use it somewhere and forget it.

The brand of wallet he loves is PacSafe (walletsafe 100 model), but they also make a coin purse type one on a chain too (walletsafe 50 model).

 

[Tys Nanny]

To everyone who said they call their credit/debit card companies....do you routinely get calls about your activity when you go away? One time ever in my life has the bank called us, when we bought a computer in the next state over (tax-free state). We have never had any problem using our cards when we travel, and we don't alert them. Just wondered how common it is to have them think it's fraudulent activity and not just people traveling.

The first time we went to Europe, we came home to several v-mails from out cc company, asking to verify the charges. They didn't cut off the account, though. Since then I've called before we left on longer trips.

We drove four hours to pick up our niece and bring her back to our house. We happened to stop at the same gas station on the Turnpike both ways. The second tome our card was declined, evidently because they have a rule about multiple large gas purchases on the same day at the same station. It seemed odd to me, but other people have told me they've had the same experience.

 

[luvmy3]

When I vacation I dont carry my money any different than when I'm home. I have some cash but always have my debit card on me. The only thing I do is call the bank to inform them where I will be. I've never had an issue.

 

[bumbershoot]

To everyone who said they call their credit/debit card companies....do you routinely get calls about your activity when you go away? One time ever in my life has the bank called us, when we bought a computer in the next state over (tax-free state). We have never had any problem using our cards when we travel, and we don't alert them. Just wondered how common it is to have them think it's fraudulent activity and not just people traveling.

DH let our bank know when he first got his job which involves travel about half the year, but got out of the habit ad it has NEVER been a problem.

And they do contact us. Though its never been for actual fraud. One time in training for his previous job he put his cc on an acct that was supposed to be cancelled but wasn't, and as soon as it was autographed they stopped it (even though it was his paycheck company and a company we have used for years). The other time we were getting gas near LAX, ran the card, realized the rental tank was on the other side and the hose would not reach, and turning the car took so long the authorization ran out. When the card was swiped the second time it alerted the bank and we were called.



OP, we use the cc. If we need cash we run to one of the chase ATMs for it. It's one of the reasons I still keep my ancient account with them. I do not bring lots of cash, other than our ones and fives for tipping (and roll of quarters for tolls).

 

[BCmomma]

To everyone who said they call their credit/debit card companies....do you routinely get calls about your activity when you go away? One time ever in my life has the bank called us, when we bought a computer in the next state over (tax-free state). We have never had any problem using our cards when we travel, and we don't alert them. Just wondered how common it is to have them think it's fraudulent activity and not just people traveling.

Yes, without fail, everytime I've been out of the country for longer than a couple of days and have used my cc's, the company has left a call on my machine to call them back and it's always about the activity. Now I call my cc company in advance to let them know - I did this a few days ago for both my Visa and M/C. 5 minute call to both and they have all my details.

 

[lauradis]

We normally do combo of Gift cards 500 mastercard gift card 1500 cash 1000

Normal debit/credit card and yes I would call the bank to flag you acct with travel dates.

in parks im old school love the fanny pack and carry just enough to get me thru day. everything else is in room safe

 

[JessM]

Normally credit card companies only care if you will be charging out of the country. They shouldn't flag your card for any in country purchases while on vacation.

That said I charge everything to my KTTW card. It so easy and I just check out the charge list before I leave to make sure everything looks good. This is much easier than checking when you get home or checking your statement online. I don't bring hardly any cash when I'm traveling, just enough for tips. Its too easy to misplace, accidentally drop, etc.

 

[msmama]

Most/many CC companies have a way to notify them online if you're traveling, too. Check out their website.

I've never notified mine, but last time I visited family out of state I did get a text from the CC company asking to check my account and make sure all charges were mine. They were and all was well.

 

[Suz D]

I ha kind of thought about using KTTW, but wasn't sure if it was a good option or not. Just wanted to talk to somebody who has used it before. We are planning to stay on property - probably at Disney All Stars Movies resort.

Can you use the KTTW at Downtown Disney?

We only use our KTTW when we travel at WDW. Anywhere on Disney property accepts your KTTW card. I occasionally use my Disney Visa card because there are locations that will give 10-20% off when you charge $50 or more to your Disney Visa card.

Rest easy, you will only need a small amount of cash. If you feel the need to bring more cash, there is a safe in your room (yes even at the value resorts) where you can store the excess.

Even the snack and drink carts take your KTTW card. And now with the new Mickey Bands the balloon venders etc. will probably start taking them as well.

As a PP said, the hotel will authorize a certain limit to be charged to your KTTW card. Once you reach that limit they will charge it to your CC on file and then you'll start again working up to the limit. Depending on how much you think you'll charge, you could have several charges to your Visa card but nothing that would alarm your CC company.

I don't have a lot of experience with CC's freezing accounts but from the limited experience I do have I think there are several things that they are looking for.

Extremely large charges (like REALLY large charges) that aren't characteristic of your normal usage.
Charges originating from all over the country (like gas stations- that was when ours was frozen. We were moving cross country).
Frequent large charges that might indicate a stolen card.

None of those would likely be happening for you so I think you're good. But if you'd feel better, certainly call your CC company and let the know where you are traveling.

Have a fabulous time!!