View Full Version : Travelers Cheque's can no longer be used!
Travelers Cheque's can no longer be used! [8] According to Simon Vaness in his guide to Orlando Book page 47.[xx(] @ Wal-mart centres. Just thought people would like to know this as we have several Travelers Cheque's already purchased for our Florida Holiday next Year.[V]
Albert the Frog
20-10-2009, 22:30
We've never used them-think they're a throwback to an earlier time
We used them ok this year in Publix
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Cowgirl
Travelers Cheque's can no longer be used! [8] According to Simon Vaness in his guide to Orlando Book page 47.[xx(] @ Wal-mart centres. Just thought people would like to know this as we have several Travelers Cheque's already purchased for our Florida Holiday next Year.[V]
[/quote]
Thats not entirely correct. They only accept American Express TC's.
lafifille
21-10-2009, 01:27
We used AMEX TC's this summer and didn't encounter much trouble. Golden Corral doesn't accept any form of checks, neither do some Starbucks places, and Walmart wouldn't take them on sundays, for some computer communication glitch they have. Some places the attendants / waitresses wouldn't know if they could accept it, but all it took was a quick call to the manager.
I just ordered some more for next year trip, to take advantage of the very advantageous rate we're having these days ($1.43 for 1€). We consider they're safer than carrying a lot of cash, and our bank charges way too much when we use my CC abroad.
We have not been using TC's on this trip, but have noticed quite a few shops/restaurants have notices on their doors advising that they no longer accept them.
Andy & Arlene
21-10-2009, 04:08
I am in Florida at the moment and have had no problem at all anywhere using TC's. Walmart do accept them on a Sunday, as that was our first port of call after we arrived last Saturday. In fact they accepted a $500 cheque, which I didn't think they would. I had taken my passport with me just in case as it was for a big amount. But they never asked for any ID. Nor has any other store. As I love to shop I have used them in most stores I have been in, so most shops are still accepting them. [msnsmile2]
walden64
21-10-2009, 10:48
I always take American Express Travellers Cheques and have never had a problem using them, but I always have a least 1 credit card with me as well so if someone did refuse to accept them I can then use my c/card.
Michelle
We now use the a US Dollar Prepaid Visa Electron Card for trips to the USA, widely accepted and meant to be taking over from the Travellers Cheque.
Never had one problem using it and no huge Credit Card bills on your return to the UK
just back from florida and let me tell you,!!!did we shop!!!!![msnwink] we used tc everywhere from walmart, publix, all eating places,florida mall, orlando premium, prime outlets,starbucks at all outlets and universal (no tc over £50), jet sking, segways, sea screamer at clearwater, bike hire, big cat rescue, they even cashed a $100 tc at epcot for one mickey premium ice-cream at $3.25!!! all with no problems at all[clap]
Robert5988
21-10-2009, 20:23
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:and no huge Credit Card bills on your return to the UK[/quote]
Let me see if I understand this principle!
You have sufficient cash in the bank to buy TCs outright(at a poor exchange rate)
You do this so you don't face 'huge credit card bills' on your return to UK.
Couldn't you leave the money you spent on TCs in the bank(earning interest) and use that money to pay your creit card bill?
Or have I missed something?
IMO TCs belong to an era when you put a shilling in the gas meter[msnwink]
Albert the Frog
21-10-2009, 20:38
I use either my debit card so therefore do not get a credit card bill or my PO card so i don't get hit for transaction charges-I'm with Robert5988!!
lafifille
22-10-2009, 02:34
I bought TCs september 2008 and got $1456 for 1000€. When we travelled to the US june 2009 I did use my Mastercard at some point and the rate my bank applied was $1.26 for €1.
My bank charges me 2.2% each time I use my Mastercard abroad, with a minimum of 1€. Had I put those 1000€ on my savings account, it wouldn't have come close to the $200 I've gained, and I'm not even considering the extra charges.
So yes, as we're planning our next trip to the US, I buy TCs every time the exchange rate is as good as it is (for us Euro holders) these days, and will use my Mastercard only when I have no other choice. I would "buy" cash, with an even slightly better exchange rate, but TC's are safer and you can use them everywhere.
Katys Grandad
22-10-2009, 07:07
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by lafifille
I bought TCs september 2008 and got $1456 for 1000€. When we travelled to the US june 2009 I did use my Mastercard at some point and the rate my bank applied was $1.26 for €1.
My bank charges me 2.2% each time I use my Mastercard abroad, with a minimum of 1€. Had I put those 1000€ on my savings account, it wouldn't have come close to the $200 I've gained, and I'm not even considering the extra charges.
So yes, as we're planning our next trip to the US, I buy TCs every time the exchange rate is as good as it is (for us Euro holders) these days, and will use my Mastercard only when I have no other choice. I would "buy" cash, with an even slightly better exchange rate, but TC's are safer and you can use them everywhere.[/quote]
Never mind about TC's - it looks like it's a new credit card that you really need![msnwink]
lafifille
22-10-2009, 12:42
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Katys Grandad[brNever mind about TC's - it looks like it's a new credit card that you really need![msnwink][/quote]:DI knew someone would say that:D ! Actually those ridiculous charges abroad are the only "problem" I have with my bank, and it's easily solved. Most banks here have the same policy anyway.
I actually use my Mastercard a lot at home, in stores or on the net, so I don't have my mind set on "an earlier time", I'm just being practical about it [msnwink]. And I know a lot of people who feel more comfortable with TCs or cash than with a card, my mother being one. Each to his/her own....
Hi
We haven't brought tc's with us this time because we had heard the same thing about, we brought just plain old dollars, I would never use just the credit card because as a family of 5 we have a daily budget and I know that using the cc I wouldn't be able to keep track of what was being spent, and anyway not everywhere takes cc.
Even if you leave the money in the bank to gain interest - what interest!!!!!!
I do find some comments on this thread quite condescending !
A lot of people, myself included, feel more comfortable using cash or tc's and from a budget point of view cash suits us perfectly so I am with you on this lafifille[msnsmile]
Robert5988
22-10-2009, 20:26
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:We haven't brought tc's with us this time because we had heard the same thing about, we brought just plain old dollars, I would never use just the credit card because as a family of 5 we have a daily budget and I know that using the cc I wouldn't be able to keep track of what was being spent, and anyway not everywhere takes cc.
Even if you leave the money in the bank to gain interest - what interest!!!!!!
I do find some comments on this thread quite condescending !
A lot of people, myself included, feel more comfortable using cash or tc's and from a budget point of view cash suits us perfectly so I am with you on this lafifille[/quote]Nobody is suggesting that you should do anything with which you are uncomfortable, we are merely pointing out the advantages of Credit Cards and Debit Cards(plastic)
Most of us use plastic in UK for our shopping; and feel perfectly comfortable with that practice.
Shopping with plastic in In 'High street USA' is just as easy as shopping with plastic in 'High Street UK'. The only difference is that the exchange rate is better with the right plastic so you save money.
I have never found a place in the USA that doesn't take plastic. However I always get some $$$ from an ATM using a debit card.
Katys Grandad
22-10-2009, 21:11
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Robert5988
I have never found a place in the USA that doesn't take plastic.
[/quote]
I assure everybody this is true:
I was driving through a pretty remote area of Utah last month and we spotted what was little more than a wooden bench at the side of the road with a Native American selling handmade jewelery. We stopped for my wife to buy a small gift for a friend (I have no idea why).
We paid by Visa!!
lafifille
22-10-2009, 23:46
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Katys Grandad[br
I assure everybody this is true:
I was driving through a pretty remote area of Utah last month and we spotted what was little more than a wooden bench at the side of the road with a Native American selling handmade jewelery. We stopped for my wife to buy a small gift for a friend (I have no idea why).
We paid by Visa!!
[/quote]
We're going to Arizona and Utah next year, and we've been asked to bring back Southwestern Native jewelry for a friend (no kidding). Did you ask if the guy took TCs? Or Mastercard? Or Amex? (we don't have a Visa). :D:D:D:D
Katys Grandad
23-10-2009, 00:07
It was actually a 'she' but if she didn't take Mastercard or Amex, I'm sure somebody nearby does!
(Where are you going exactly?)
We did the same in July!
Driving back from the Grand Canyon to Las Vegas we went through the Navajo region and Zion National Park Utah. Stopped off at the side of the road, had a bite to eat in a shack (paid by AMEX)then went to a picnic table containing handmade jewellery. Paid by Visa!
It was the strangest thing i've ever seen, this little Navajo tribe fella producing his credit card reader!!
lafifille
23-10-2009, 16:01
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Katys Grandad
(Where are you going exactly?)
[/quote]
Flagstaff. We'll probably land in Vegas, as I want DH and the kids to see Zion and Bryce, and then drive down to Flagstaff. Plus the kids want to see Las vegas, they're big fans of CSI [msnwink].
I'm glad to hear we'll have many opportunities to buy Native jewelry for our friends. I'm more into pottery, but it's harder to bring back, although I've done it a couple of times.
We're definitely off the original topic now :D.
ujpest doza
28-10-2009, 16:06
We used a combination of mostly AMEX TC's, Cash and Credit Card.
Had no problems at all with the TC's and was never ever asked for ID.
I never take TC's to Europe anymore but always take them to the US.
I find i can budget a bit better if i have the cheques/cash rather than than Credit card all of them time as it is way to easy to forget how much you've spent and let the CC run away with you.
pieman790
28-10-2009, 17:16
We have been using traveler checks for the past 6 years and never once had a problem with them. Only very occasionally do we get asked for id but we do not have problem with this as i always carry my driving license with me. We have used them in Walmart, many restaurants, hotels, airports etc.
Everybody has their own preference which is best for them and for us we take a mixture of cards, money and TC's.