Travellers cheques? Dollars? How much?

[Nadia_disfan]

Hey guys, 6 months till we go but as we have our spending money sat in the account doing nothing I was thinking of changing it up early to avoid spending it, and the rates aren't to shabby right now too!
In my past trips I've taken a portion of the spends in travellers cheques as they were used just like cash and very easy to replace if lost,
Does anyone else do this? Do they still use them over there in this way? (haven't been for a couple of years)
I have £1500 put aside to change up so far, what percentage would you do cash and what for the TCs

Many thanks!

 

[tiring_day]

Hi

It has been a few years since we have been and we always changed the majority of our spends in Travellers Cheques maybe 95%. We just found it easier to keep track of what we had spent and had left to spend also as you mentioned possible to get back if stolen. They were always very easy to spend within Disney and I can't imagine that will have changed. Hopefully someone with a more up to date view will be able to comment further.

When we go in October TC's will be our spends.

Steve

 

[Pegasus928]

To be honest I can't remember the last time we used travellers cheques - and we have never taken them to Florida.
We tend to leave our money split over 2 different UK accounts and take the ATM cards for them - withdrawing it as we need it. Yes it costs a couple of $'s each time, but when considered alongside the whole cost of the holiday it is such a tiny amount we don't see it as being worthy of note.
I can fully understand why people us TC's - especially from a security point of view - but we choose not to bother.

 

[2Tiggies]

I don't like to take all my money in one form of currency but I am the exception to the rule these days and like my TCs. I can see how much I have and can change it for cash anywhere at Disney.

I split my money over TC's, FairFX card and the max amount of cash my insurance will cover me for. I also take a couple of credit cards with me just in case I need them. I never have

From the variety of answers you get on here, you will be able to pick one or the combination, which suits you best

 

[KELLY'S]

I have just plucked up the courage to go for one of the 'pre-loaded' cards from Thomas Cook - I was slightly apprehesive prior to getting ours but after speaking to a friend who had used one last September - it was the best option along with some cash.

The card I understand can be used any where the 'mastercard' sign is shown and is chip and pin. We have one card for me loaded with £1000 and a secondary card for hubby with the same amount. It does say it costs 2.50 to draw from an ATM but we figured if we wanted to draw the cash this was a small price to pay really as I have read that TC are not as commonly used as they once were.

I think we'll use the card first and always carry cash with us but even if there is money left on the card (like that's going to be the case!!) you can exchange this back for cash.

The rate is good at the moment and I got ours today at 1.60. I do understand your dilemma! Hope you get to make a decision from everybodies experiences x

 

[Alex's Mummy]

I have £1500 put aside to change up so far, what percentage would you do cash and what for the TCs

Many thanks!

I'd go with 90% TC, 10% cash. If you pay with TC, the shop will give you change as cash anyway. I used a prepaid travelex card last summer and that was good too. There are quite a few different ones to chose from though. I'd shop around for a pre-paid card if you decide to buy one.