Money Matters

[topplebogan]

Hi, i have a few queries on the money front, I have been to florida last year and took a couple of hundred dollars in cash and another $200 travellers cheques and my gf at the time paid for everything else on her credit card and i paid her back.
This time im basically 'in charge' so want to make sure everything goes smoothly, the last thing I want is to have money trouble whilst out there. I don't have a credit card, all I have is a Nationwide Flexaccount Visa Debit Card (with a hefty overdraft in case!). Will I be able to use this card to do everything i.e. getting money from ATM's, buying things in shops and for room charging privaleges? I will again get some cash for small purchases and tipping but I would much rather just charge to my card if possible. My girlfriend has a natwest maestro card which I am even more concerned about as the WDW website says they only accept Visa/Mastercard etc, will she be able to use her card at all?

 

[Netty]

i think you might be better going to the nationwide and getting their credit card. I don't think the usa accept our debit/switch/maestro cards over there. only if you use them in a cash machine and then i think you get charged. from what i've heard about nationwide cc you dont get any charges put on it for using it.

 

[kristieuk]

You can actually withdraw cash from an ATM with your Nationwide debit card, and they won't charge you the foreign currency transaction fee. Virtually all other banks do though.

 

[gilld]

If you have an HSBC debit card from a Premier Account, there are no charges either.

 

[Lisa1976]

The first time we went I got caught out by the different cards, I only have a solo/visa electron at the time and it seems that they only accept visa / mastercard or similar. We really struggled the last few days, so definately be prepared. If you can't get a credit card, make sure you take a little extra money so at least you wont be worry too much.

 

[kevin harrison]

don't think the usa accept our debit/switch/maestro cards over there.

The USA do accept Debit Cards with Visa on them. Paid for nearly everything with ours last time.

 

[Candy]

If you have an HSBC debit card from a Premier Account, there are no charges either.

can you just tell me please does the HSBC Premier Account debit card have the visa logo on it.

 

[Netty]

The USA do accept Debit Cards with Visa on them. Paid for nearly everything with ours last time.

thanks for that info kev! i never knew that, i have an abbey debit card with visa logo on.

 

[topplebogan]

Ta very much for all your thoughts, my bank has assured me that I can use my card for all purchases in the states. It also turns out that Visa is 'a proud associate of Walt Disney World' so I would imagine anything Visa is good as kevin said. My girlfriend has maestro/cirrus card which I think will be okay for atm's etc... but not for purchases or room charging so she is gonna move about £500 into my account and take cash/tc's for the rest.