Travellers Cheque Question?

[BruTamUK]

Hi there,
We're after some info regarding travellers cheques. Is there any difference between Visa TC's, Mastercard TC's and American Express TC's?
In the past we have always had American Express TC's from the post office. We have never had any problems using them in restaurants or shops in Florida.
This time we will be purchasing TC's from M&S. They supply Visa TC's. Has anyone had any problems using these in Florida?
We don't like taking too much cash or have to rely on the credit card therefore the majority of our currency will be in TC's. We don't want to get there and find that they are not as widely accepted as American Express TC's.
Any info would be appreciated.
Many thanks,
Bruce & Tammy.

 

[Scottish_Maleficent]

Hello
Visa TC's are as widely accepted as any other - we used them from M&S last year and had no trouble - they are accepted like cash almost anywhere!

Cath

 

[Disney owl]

we got all our money & travellers cheques from m& s last August 2003.
No trouble at all using the cheques, never noticed the difference.

Also got annual family travel Insurance from M & S too. We thought it was good value with good cover.

 

[mickg7dyd]

Hi,
I'm surprised because I used M & S in December and I got Amex TC's never used any other brand.

Mick.

 

[AlisonB]

We've got Amex from M&S this time...can't remember what we had last August!

 

[Grumpy John]

Why use travellers cheques? If you have a credit card leave the money you would have spend on TC in your account and use the credit card whenever you need to. Your money could be earning a little bit of interest and you do not get the credit card bill until you get home from your holiday

Plus you have not got to carry them around with you!

Only my honest opinion. Have never used TCs only ever used a credit card. Plus with a lot of cards you get airmiles which could be used on your next trip to see the

 

[BruTamUK]

Thanks for your info and advice. We phoned M&S the other day and they told us they supplied Visa TC's. Maybe they have diferent one's at different times?

Grumpy John-
We considered using our Nationwide CC but we wanted to take advantage of the exchange rate as it is. If we leave it until we go in December, the rate may drop. We will probably use the CC for emergencies only, (clothes shopping!!!).

We have also come across a company called www.thomasexchange.com. Has anyone had any experience using them? Their exchange rates are always 3cents higher than M&S/Travelex (they were offering $1.88 last week). They are based in London. We phoned them for some info regarding payment and was told that we would have to deposit money into their account as they do not accept Debit Cards over the phone. Is this method of payment safe?
Regards,
Bruce & Tammy.

 

[matty624]

Originally posted by BruTamUK

We have also come across a company called www.thomasexchange.com. Has anyone had any experience using them? Their exchange rates are always 3cents higher than M&S/Travelex (they were offering $1.88 last week). They are based in London. We phoned them for some info regarding payment and was told that we would have to deposit money into their account as they do not accept Debit Cards over the phone. Is this method of payment safe?

I'd be interested in knowing whether these people are reliable etc aswell.
Ian

 

[cheryl12]

Hi, I am going for my first trip to florida in june. I was wondering what is best: sterling or dollars travellers cheques. I hope some one can help me.

 

[debsy]

use Dollar travellers cheques, these are accepted everywhere like cash. If you use sterling you will need to go to a bank to change these, plus the exchange rate at the moment is really good.

 

[keasden]

Dollar travellers cheques are treated as cash everywhere I have ever used them in florida. No i/d needed when using them, just ask the cashier for a pen and sign the bottom, your change will then be given in cash. A safe and convenient way to handle your holiday spends.