| Author |  Topic  | |
jenko
![]() United Kingdom
10 Posts
Joined: 20 Apr 2008
Status: offline |  Posted - 01 May 2008 : 01:12:36  
| hi guys 11 days now!
nearly ready to go few things to grab!
when i go away il be taking cash away also i shall be taking my credit card and debit card with me just incase of emergency and over doing the shopping thing!
can anyone tell me if my HSBC (Master Card) will be accepted at ATM or cash machines in the U.S?
whats the maximum amount i can withdraw every time?
(in the U.K about £300 GBP at one transaction (once a day) at ATM machines)
this around $500 plus?
where and how would i know the exchange rate with ATM machines?
would it be the exchange rate of the machine or my bank back in the u.k?
where would i find ATM machines?
will my HSBC cards be accepted for making purchases in shops such as Ralph Lauren etc,
would it be better if i take GBP and changed them over there some where, if so where and any idea how much the exchange rate is over there?
if anyone can help id be most grateful, sorry about the list of questions!
thanks for any help!
Jenko!
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Ian Dee
 United Kingdom
867 Posts
Joined: 10 Aug 2003
Status: offline | Posted - 01 May 2008 : 02:09:53
| Jenko
welcome to this site where you will find a wealth of information.
Mastercard is accepted everywhere, but I would caution using it to take cash from an ATM as not only will there be a charge but also an additional charge for cash. If necessary, use a debit card although most UK banks now make a charge each time which wipes out the good exchange rate.
Your branch will tell you the daily limit.
Don't forget to let your credit card co know your dates of travel as this will stop any security phone calls and your embarrassment (its not guaranteed to do this as they cando it at any time but well worth the effort.
Unfortunately you will not know the exchange rate when using either dr or cr cards until you return to UK. The only way you know a rate is if you change up GBP at a bank.
However I think you should concentrate on having a great time and not worry about the rates too much.
If worried about security and rates then take AM ex Travellers cheques. They are treat like cash in most shops and you get $ bills in change.
All major banks and supermarkets e.g. Walmarts, Publix have ATM's but the charges are high. |
Ian Dee
www.villasflorida.com/Villas/818.aspx
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SDJ
 United Kingdom
1621 Posts
Joined: 16 Nov 2005
Status: offline | Posted - 01 May 2008 : 10:35:00
| Do not take GBP to change in Florida as you will get a dreadful exchange rate. Personally I would take cash dollars, but as Ian says, if you are woried about security, take dollar travellers cheques. If you do take TC you will have to carry your passport around, or some other photo id at all times.
I don't think the ATMs are a good idea for cash, but payment for articles in shops by CC is okay. You won't necessarily know the exchange rate when you do your purchase.
Unless you intend spending thousands and thousands, then it is not worth worrying about. Just have a great time in Florida. 23 days and counting for us
Sandra |
http://www.villasflorida.com/florida-vacation-rental-3181.aspx | | Report this post to a moderator | goto top of page |
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Albert the Frog
 United Kingdom
358 Posts
Joined: 18 Jun 2006
Status: offline | Posted - 01 May 2008 : 13:50:29
| | I wouldn't bother with a shed load of cash. Although some cards charge 1.75% for overseas transactions because you get the bank exchange rate instead of the tourist one it hasn't made much difference to us over the years-I also get the impression that credit cards are the preferred payment option as well. | | Report this post to a moderator | goto top of page |
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blott
 United Kingdom
22283 Posts
Joined: 22 Feb 2002
Status: online | Posted - 01 May 2008 : 14:57:04
| quote:
Originally posted by Albert the Frog
I wouldn't bother with a shed load of cash. Although some cards charge 1.75% for overseas transactions because you get the bank exchange rate instead of the tourist one it hasn't made much difference to us over the years-I also get the impression that credit cards are the preferred payment option as well.
I think you'll find that most of them charge 2.75% and not 1.75%.
You don't pay a bean with a Nationwide credit card and you get a great exchange rate too.  |
Blott
www.orlandovillas.com/villas/150.aspx
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sammibabe
United Kingdom
387 Posts
Joined: 19 May 2003
Status: offline | Posted - 01 May 2008 : 19:55:38
| I agree with you there Blott, we have a Nationwide card. Fab card for abroad (savings made because of using this card and also Capital One to book flights as there was 4% cashback, thanks to Martin Lewis) | | Report this post to a moderator | goto top of page |
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Albert the Frog
United Kingdom
358 Posts
Joined: 18 Jun 2006
Status: offline | Posted - 01 May 2008 : 22:12:50
| | Must all be different Blott. Mine only charged me 1.75% but as you say there are others that are less--I suppose that what I was trying to get over was that for the amounts involved and the use of the inter-bank rate and I suppose security I would choose cards every time. | | Report this post to a moderator | goto top of page |
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Money, Credit cards, and Debit cards
