Cash, Card or T/Cheques

[NigelM]

Now I am sure that this has been debated
before but I wanted to get an up to date viewpiont.

We have always travelled with a nominal float of dollars to get us through the first two or three days. We then carry amex $ T/Cqs which we cash at a bank (see question below) and also use a credit card for some meals and larger purchases.

is this still a viable option or are there simpler ways to use a debit card to pay for goods or draw cash?

Also what is the bank that cashes Amex T/Chqs without charging commission?

Cheers

NM

[Katys Grandad]

It has indeed been debated at length a few times. My take on what has been said is that you should do whatever you're the most comfortable with. In my case that's a small float of cash to tide me over until I can draw cash from an ATM with my debit card. For anything over about $10 or so, I use my credit card.

[NigelM]

So what sort of card is accepted at what sort of ATM?

The machine churns out $s and converts and the going commercial£/$ rate - is there a handling charge?

[ujpest doza]

You can just spend $ travellers cheques like cash and get cash in your change.

[Robert5988]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:So what sort of card is accepted at what sort of ATM?

The machine churns out $s and converts and the going commercial£/$ rate - is there a handling charge?[/quote]

Any Visa or Mastercard 'plastic' is accepted.

Some ATMs charge $1 or $1.50 for debit card withdrawals - others nothing.

Most banks give you the commercial rate less 2.75% for using their plastic. Nationwide and The Post office currently give you the full commercial rate - but Nationwide will be making a small charge soon.

Obviously cash from an ATM with a credit card will attract an extra cost, as it would in UK.

Personally I have never used TCs for many years, IMO they are a relic of a bygone age. I use plastic in UK so why not USA?

[lafifille]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by ujpest doza
You can just spend $ travellers cheques like cash and get cash in your change.

[/quote]

I agree with that, I never had any problem paying in stores, restaurants, etc, even for the smallest amount, with my Amex TCs.
No commission... unlike my credit card (or is it debit, I don't quite understand the difference, probably something we don't have here, or named differently), but it all depends on your bank of course.
Nobody ever raised an eyebrow on Amex TCs, no matter where in the US (even in Alabama [msnwink]).

[Madabouttigger]

We alwways take a small float of $ over then just use the cash points as we would at home. Never had any problems. Always have a credit card handy for those just cant live without purchases..[msnwink]

[steph_goodrum]

I have just bought some more TC and avoided $100s as Walmart wont accept them any more so there is a good chance that by the time we go later in the year others may have followed suit. This way if they go missing before we travel at least we have a way of replacing them.

[NigelM]

So the cash machines to use the debit cards are they plentiful? has anyone had their card swallowed by any of these ATM's what happens than?

[Robert5988]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:So the cash machines to use the debit cards are they plentiful? has anyone had their card swallowed by any of these ATM's what happens than?[/quote]

Every bank, most large stores(walmart Publix etc) etc have ATMs. Some charge a small fee(75c to $1.50) for a transaction, so if you take out $400 you will be debited $401.50. ($400 is the usual max cash per day)

There are also ATMs that charge no fee. I also use an ATM that states it will charge $1 but it never does.

I have never seen the UK type of ATM that can 'swallow' your card in the USA. You put your card in and remove it and proceed with the transaction.