Traveler's Checks for Teens?

[KellyJ]

Our daughter is going to be traveling with her high school band next week and I am reluctant to send all cash with her. I would like to send traveler's checks but my husband thinks you have to show an ID when you use them. She doesn't have a picture ID of any kind (not even a school ID) so if they need an ID then that's not an option. Does anyone know for sure? What other options might I be overlooking?

Thanks!

Kelly

 

[jdads2]

You might want to get her an ID even if she doesn't need to show it when spending travelers checks. I know here in the state of great taxes (NY) you can get an ID from either the local county(at least Erie county) or the state.

 

[Disneylovers]

Get your DD American Express Traveler's Cheques. She will have to sign every cheque at time of purchase, then when she wants to spend them, she'll have to sign it again in the clerk's presence. My teenage DD bought them for our last trip, because she was worried about taking cash. She never was asked to show an ID, she didn't have one at the time either! (You could make her an "unofficial" one with a school picture, and her home address on it, just so she has something).

 

[momof2OH]

I agree with getting an ID anyways. Both of my kids, ages 14 and 12 have state ID's. Just in case we get seperated and something were to happen and they can't talk. Medical/emergency people would know who they were and could contact me. I put my name and cell # on the back.

 

[renessa]

I work at a Bank....since the new Patriot Act thing has been in affect I would need ID for travelers checks. The state ID is a good option. Renessa

 

[momxx5]

I just saw on the news yesterday that American Express is now offering a pre-paid cash card as an alternative to traveler's checks.

You can pre-pay any amount onto the card and then use the card just like a credit card. This might be a good idea for your daughter.

I would still make sure she has some type of photo id, a state id card or passport. Now, many places ask for photo id when using credit cards too.

 

[KellyJ]

Thanks for the replies everyone! Quite honestly, I just don't have time to get her an ID before the trip. We leave on Tuesday as does the band. I like the prepaid card idea. Does anyone know if I can get that at the bank like I can travelers checks? And do you think they'd ask for ID for that?

Thanks again!

Kelly

 

[momof2OH]

They just might ask for an ID for the pre-paid cards, because many merchants treat them like credit cards and more often now they are verifying your signature. The ID cards are very easy and quick to get. You get them at your DMV office.

 

[Maridw]

Since your daughter is going next week, it would be pushing it to get a pre-paid credit card, but getting the id would be a very good idea.

We got my 16 yo DD a pre-paid card three years ago and it makes it so much easier for her when she goes on trips. She knows she won't have to worry about carrying alot of cash. I have hers set up to put her allowance on it twice a month. We just had to change banks because the one she had stopped them.

Really check around if you decide to do that later as some have high "Load" fees - the fee to put money on the card. Others have smaller to no load fees.
Here is a web site that can give you more information about the prepaid cards.

Visa Buxx

 

[KellyJ]

Thanks again everyone! Normally this wouldn't come down to the last minute but circumstances conspired this time to really throw a monkey wrench in my planning. There's just no possible way to get an official ID in time. Memphis DMV and "quick" are too things never mentioned in the same sentence. With today filled with school and performances at the game tonight, that would leave Monday and there's no way to get from school after practice to the DMV for the 2 hr. wait before they close.

I am going to print an unofficial photo ID for her to have with her. I am still undecided about the travelers checks. DisneyLovers, your experience gives me hope!

Is there anyone else out there who's been in Disney lately that has first hand experience of being asked for ID or not?

Kelly

 

[n2mm]

I understand you not having the time to get your daughter an ID, but others should take note of your dilemma. I can't imagine letting your child go without you without some proper ID. We take our grandson to WDW with us every year and when he was 5 we took him to DMV and paid to get him an ID (it was only $10 for a 2 year ID, now only $5 to renew). Since he does not have the same last name as us, plus he has an AP, we thought, why stress any problems when it can be solved by him having his own ID. He's 9 now and whether it's at the airlines checking in, or renewing his AP, it's a great cheap stress-free thing of him having an ID. (PS. I don't think the work quick is in anyone's state DMV office--sort of like, you'll never find the world Disney and free in the same sentence).

BTW we ALWAYS use traveller's checks in WDW, from the food courts to the stores and we have NEVER been asked for an ID.

 

[jkovick]

I don't know how WDW is handling ID and travelers checks, but I do know that as a financial institution manager, our institution would not transact travelers checks without ID. I would suspect that your daughter would get some places to honor them and others that do not. I would hate for her to get there and have trouble. What about taking some Disney Dollars? Or, if she is very responsible, you could consider opening an account with her and getting her an ATM card. (as a minor you would have to sign on the account with her/for her)

 

[KellyJ]

I should clarify that our daughter is not exactly going to WDW without us. We will also be there but she will primarily be with the band as a group and it would be much more convenient for her to have a safe means of carrying cash without having to make time to meet us somewhere to get more when she needs it.

As for traveling without ID, her band director has all the necessary medical/ID forms in case an emergency occurs and we are not immediately available as well as everything she needs at the airport (which doesn't require a photo ID).

While I can understand WHY an ID might be needed for cashing a travelers check, I don't understand why, when teens are allowed to travel on airplanes without photo ID, there isn't some method of carrying cash in a safe way, like travelers checks. I'm sure there are LOTS of teens that travel without parents who also do not have photo ID. I just wondered what everyone else did and how Disney handles the travelers check issue.

Thanks again for everyone's suggestions!

Kelly

 

[Disneylovers]

Kelly,

If you're going to be down at WDW also, when you look into getting the travelers cheques, look at the "checks for two", that way you can sign also. If there's a problem at any store your DD tries to cash them, if she has a way of getting hold of you, you can sign it. But, we've never had to help out our DD when she purchased anything. While I appreciate the security with the Patriot's Act that the financial institutions are experiencing, this is Disney, and they are used to seeing kids of all ages purchasing items throughout the world!
FYI, if you are a member of AAA motor club, they don't charge a fee for cheques, and they have the checks for two. (that's where we stock up every trip). They may be a little less crowded tomorrow than a bank. Good luck, and have a nice trip!