Travelers Checks

[kilee]

I am going to take Travelers Checks this time to WDW. It is a first. I usually am stressed all week worrying about the cash. I have AAA and I'm going to get them there. Can someone please explain to me how they work. Thank you!!!!!

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by kilee
I am going to take Travelers Checks this time to WDW. It is a first. I usually am stressed all week worrying about the cash. I have AAA and I'm going to get them there. Can someone please explain to me how they work. Thank you!!!!!

they are accepted as cash, but, they are a check.
When you get them you sign on one line, when you use it, you sign again in the presence of the sales clerk.
It is really easy, but, for disney, I would not bother. If you are staying on site, just charge back to your room. You need very little cash there.

 

[kilee]

I'm not staying on site. It's actually the airport for starters. I hate having that much cash on me in the airport. I've done it plenty of times before. But for some reason I just have this nagging feeling this time about the money being stolen or lost. It would about $2000.00 in cash.

 

[AMaloy314]

You may already know this, but I thought that I'd throw it in just in case. Unless you keep a copy of the travelers check numbers somewhere, they are no better than cash if you lose them. Make sure that you write down the numbers of your checks and keep them in a place separate from the checks themselves. That way, if they are lost or stolen, you can get them reissued from the company they came from (i.e. American Express or whatever). *Maybe you could keep your check numbers with the serial numbers that you copied off your park tickets!

Just a couple of other things.....The travelers checks come in different denominations, so you will need to decide what size checks you want. I know that I've seen $20, $50, and $100. If you buy something with them, you may need a drivers license or other picture ID, just like a check. You will get change back from your purchase in cash.

Have a great trip!

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by AMaloy314
You may already know this, but I thought that I'd throw it in just in case. Unless you keep a copy of the travelers check numbers somewhere, they are no better than cash if you lose them. Make sure that you write down the numbers of your checks and keep them in a place separate from the checks themselves. That way, if they are lost or stolen, you can get them reissued from the company they came from (i.e. American Express or whatever). *Maybe you could keep your check numbers with the serial numbers that you copied off your park tickets!

Just a couple of other things.....The travelers checks come in different denominations, so you will need to decide what size checks you want. I know that I've seen $20, $50, and $100. If you buy something with them, you may need a drivers license or other picture ID, just like a check. You will get change back from your purchase in cash.

Have a great trip!

when you purchase Tchecks they give you a copy of the numbers and instruct you to keep them in a separate place , so that eliminates the need to copy all the numbers. They also give you a register, just like a checkbook, to track where you spent the checks.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by kilee
I'm not staying on site. It's actually the airport for starters. I hate having that much cash on me in the airport. I've done it plenty of times before. But for some reason I just have this nagging feeling this time about the money being stolen or lost. It would about $2000.00 in cash.

Hi,
Go with the feeling. That is quite a bit of cash to be carrying and I can certainly understand the nagging feeling.
AAA no longer sells AMEX tchecks, but, the ones they do sell, Visa I believe, are just fine. I would get 50's and 20's. A lot of places do not like to break 100's. And just 20's could give you writers cramp for a large purchase. I was just thinking about how long it has been since I had Tchecks for Disney at it is over 12 years ago. ATM cards took over for me, then the MC debit cards.
I just put the money in the checking account and swipe the card for purchases.
Tchecks are easy to use, honest. Few places ask for ID because you are countersigning in front of them, but, carry your ID just in case.

Just in case I don't catch you before you leave, have a FANTASTIC trip.

 

[powellrj]

they don't expire so they are also a good vacation saving tool. When you get a little extra cash, I think the min is $100. I will just buy some travelers checks and put them away till I am ready to leave that way I will save the money easier than trying to save cash.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by powellrj
they don't expire so they are also a good vacation saving tool. When you get a little extra cash, I think the min is $100. I will just buy some travelers checks and put them away till I am ready to leave that way I will save the money easier than trying to save cash.

If I have a spare 100.00 it goes right into my savings account, that way it earns interest (albiet a small amount)and does not tempt me to spend it. Out of sight, out of mind. Not to mention, I am not a big fan of giving someone money to use and not get anything in return for it.

 

[disneysteve]

Originally posted by kilee
It would about $2000.00 in cash.

If you don't mind me asking, why would you possibly need to bring that kind of money to Disney? The only places you need cash in the parks is at a couple of the free-standing snack stands like ice cream or popcorn carts. Everywhere else you can charge your purchases or meals.

I usually bring about $300 for the week and have never even spent that. And, of course, if you did need more cash there are always ATM's. True, you'll pay a couple of dollars to the bank fee, but worth it compared to the safety issue of carrying cash.

Personally, I think traveler's checks are a pain. So much quicker and easier to charge everything, plus you rack up whatever reward points your card provides (Marriott hotel points in our case).

Steve

 

[kilee]

First, the limit on the ATM's is $300.00 a day-- some only $100.00. The fee's from my bank plus their fee's usually total $3.50-5.00. (My bank is $2.50 to begin with). If I had to take money out everyday for the trip it could add up to an easy $40.00.

Next, on our last trip I actually needed money out of our account and couldn't get it. Why my stupid card wouldn't work. It magically became demagnetized. There was nothing my bank could do about it w/ me out of state. Luckily it was on a large family trip and I was able to just borrow until we got home (still a pain though). So if it had happened on a trip w/o other family members I don't know what I'd of done.

I guess we just spend a lot, so I don't really know why we go through that much cash. But oh well, it's there to use-- so I it's fine.

 

[disneysteve]

kilee - Hope I didn't sound like I was criticizing your spending habits. Lord knows I'm in no position to do that

I guess I wasn't really thinking of hitting the ATM daily, but maybe once during the trip. Bring down $300 or $400 and hit the machine once if needed. I didn't realize some banks limited the withdrawal to $300. Around here I think its $600 or $700/day.

Personally, we spend very little cash. We charge everything we possibly can to maximize reward points. Of course, we pay the bill in full when it comes to avoid paying any interest charges.

In the end, whatever works for you and you are comfortable with is certainly the way to go.

Steve

 

[Autumngirl]

We've used travelers cheques every time we've gone down, quite frankly, I find them a pain in the butt.... and just try using them in the grocery store when you get home with some extra's ...the blank look you get from the cashier is priceless.

Anyway, I ramble. In the park they are a breeze to use... make them out to WDW, date and sign and you are done. Try using them outside the parks... they want your DL to write down all over the check and get managers approval. They don't seem to understand THEY ARE CASH.

So this trip coming up we've decided to get the American Express Travelersfund Card....like Travelers Checks only easier. The TravelFunds Card is a prepaid, reloadable card. If it’s lost or stolen, the balance is refunded, usually within 24 hours.... And unlike a debit card, it isn't linked to your bank account and it's not a credit card so you don't come home to a crazy bill after your vacation. you can find out about it here.... http://www10.americanexpress.com/sif/cda/page/0,1641,18622,00.asp

 

[disneysteve]

Originally posted by Autumngirl
it's not a credit card so you don't come home to a crazy bill after your vacation.

Another option is to prepay your credit card account. Instead of spending your cash on traveler's checks or to load an AmEx card, you can send in money in advance to your credit card company, then use your card on your trip and not have to worry about a bill when you get back.

There is a charge for the AmEx card so keep that in mind. Much easier and free to use your credit card.

Steve