Cheques?Cash?Credit Card?

**AngelaB** · 10-05-2005, 01:27

I know this subject has been delved into before, but we are really unsure of what to take with us when we go. Either Travellers Cheques, or Credit Card and cash?

What does everyone do?

We have been advised to take the Credit Card and just settle the bill when we come home. But if we did that, we would still need some cash, do we just use the ATM's for the cash? Would we get charged commision?

Sorry for all the questions. Just confused as to what to do.[msnscared]

**Robert5988** · 10-05-2005, 01:37

Credit cards normally attract a charge from an ATM. Debit card is best option and Nationwide usually gives best exchange rate.

Pay for goods/services with credit/debit card.

Traveller's cheques are normally the most expensive option.

You will be surprised at how little cash you need as plastic works for most things.

**rosie** · 10-05-2005, 01:53

Hi Angela,

we use our credit card for most things and then use our debit cards to get cash as we need it. Remember to take some small change (small bills or coins) for any toll roads on arrival. They vary between 25c and $1 for most tolls [msnsmile]

Have a great trip [msnsmile2]

**Snapper** · 10-05-2005, 02:16

Hi Angela,

Personally I tend to travel with a couple of hundred dollars in cash and then use a card for everything else. If the cash runs out I grab a top-up out of an ATM. The discussions about ATM fees can sometimes run to pages and pages and pages but ultimately I always figure that if I'm hit with a dollar or two of fees it's a very small price to pay for the convenience.

Visa, Mastercard and Amex are all very widely accepted credit/charge cards in the US. There is a nice side-benefit with some plastic that has a loyalty scheme attached to it. My BA-Amex card racks up airmiles for everything I spend. Virgin have a similar scheme with their credit card. A couple of weeks of shopping aren't going to net you a family worth of flights (unless you're CDV) but I figure that every little bit helps.

If your debit card says either Maestro or Cirrus on it, it should be OK for use in most ATMs in Orlando.

If you are using an ATM to get cash it will more than likely ask you which type of account to withdraw from. Just select the option closest to Credit Card. In the US a cheque account is referred to as a checking account, so avoid this option if you see it.

Have a great trip.

**Jill** · 10-05-2005, 02:32

We always take a few dollars for tolls and our Nationwide debit and credit cards. Nationwide only pass on the actual currency conversion charge which is approx 0.75% and not the 2.75% in fees and conversion charge which most seem to charge. You therefore get a rate which is very close to the market rate which is better than the tourist rate.

**Geoff** · 10-05-2005, 02:38

I agree, Nationwide Credit Card for about 98% of all purchases including meals and tips, even drinks at the bar. I just take about $350 in cash for incidentals. We came back Sunday and I still have $82 and some change left from my $350 and that included just over a $100 that was over from the last trip which I topped up when I ghot their.

I agree a debit card is the best option to get cash from an ATM but be careful which you choose as like in the UK many charge now. I used Wachovia Bank & Washington Mutual in the last three or four visits and have not been charged but others charge a flat fee - even for debit cards!

**Ray&Sarah** · 10-05-2005, 12:01

We use a mixture, credit card, cash & some travellers cheques, just like to keep all bases covered.[msnsmile]

**ahagan** · 10-05-2005, 12:11

We also use a mix of cash, cards and travellers cheques. I find travellers cheques the safest way to carry big amounts and they are so easy to use.

**Curly Wurly** · 10-05-2005, 14:11

We use a combination of cash/travellers cheques/credit card

I try not to hit the credit card too much so I don't get a shock when I get home & end up paying for the purchases for the next few months!!!