Spending in the US

kelloggs36

How widely accepted is VISA in the US? We are off to Florida for a few weeks and don't want to take lots of cash or travellers' cheques. We have both a Nationwide debit and credit card - both are VISA - which would be great for card purchases and cash withdrawals - but having never been there before, I am worried that if I only take those cards and minimal cash, it will be a problem. Should I take my mastercard as well which is not nationwide??

shadej

Visa is every where in the us but I find it best to take travelers cheques.
They can be cashed anywhere, restaurants, cinema, shops and even in the flee markets.
Also you can cash them in sets at the bank and they can be replaced within 24 hours as long as you keep a not of th reference number. If you loose your visa it can be a long process. Also they might charge you on all spends.

Heva2015

Nationwide won't charge you at all and the exchange rate will be favourable. Take some cash/travellers cheques in case of emergency but visa is accepted and preffered nearly everywhere.

Scottie_2

I disagree that travellers cheques are best. We were in Orlando early May and several places had notices saying they would not except them as forgeries are common. For the last few years we have taken two or three hundred dollars cash and used our Nationwide credit card for all possible purchases. We will be doing the same in December.:j
If we need more cash we withdraw it using our Nationwide debit card. Most large department stores, theme parks and of course Walmart have cash machines. Incidentally when using ATM's in the Florida select the "Credit" option not the "Checking " one even when using a debit card.
ALWAYS have a spare card from another account to be left in the hotel or villa safe. If you lose the Nationwide one you then have something to fall back on.
Don't worry and have a wonderful holiday.

P.S. Remember to tell all your card issuers the dates you will be in Florida :rolleyes:

hammy_the_hammer

kelloggs36 wrote: »

How widely accepted is VISA in the US? We are off to Florida for a few weeks and don't want to take lots of cash or travellers' cheques. We have both a Nationwide debit and credit card - both are VISA - which would be great for card purchases and cash withdrawals - but having never been there before, I am worried that if I only take those cards and minimal cash, it will be a problem. Should I take my mastercard as well which is not nationwide??

you have the two cards with nationwide which is all you need ....do not take travellers cheques as you'll be losing money before you even start your holiday

torbrex

I go to America every year and have been taking less cash each time. I use my NW visa for everything, small or large, and as others have said I carry other cards as back-up for emergencies stashed away in different places.

The reason I started taking less cash is simple, I was behind someone at the checkout in a shop and they paid for their milk and newspaper using a credit card, so I thought, what's good for the locals is good for me.

Zazen999

We've never had a problem in the US with any cards to be honest...they pretty much use cards all the time, some will look at you like you are an alien if you try to use cash, esp in dept stores.

We now take at most $200 cash and never spend it all. Mostly it would be for travel or small food/snack items. Everything else is credit card.

You'll need cash in Florida for the tolls if you are driving though. Just a word of warning!!! They prefer change rather than notes.

kelloggs36

Thanks guys - I feel much better now. Will take some cash but will mostly use the cards. they don't do chip and pin do they?

Scottie_2

No chip and pin needed for purchases. Credit cards just require a signature.
Note that many counter service restaurants do not require a signature or a PIN, they just swipe and give you a receipt.
You will only need your PIN for ATM withdrawals.

dmg24

Scottie wrote: »

No chip and pin needed for purchases. Credit cards just require a signature.
Note that many counter service restaurants do not require a signature or a PIN, they just swipe and give you a receipt.
You will only need your PIN for ATM withdrawals.

I found some places did use chip and pin. However, I doubt they would have a problem if you wanted to sign instead.

luci

Scottie wrote: »

Incidentally when using ATM's in the Florida select the "Credit" option not the "Checking " one even when using a debit card.

Can I ask why? I've always chosen the Checking option and never had a problem.