Children taking Dollars to USA

isanda

My daughter is going on an organised trip to the USA and I need to sort her spending money.

What do people think about the options:

Cash - I am worried about safety and loss
Travellers cheques - She may need ID to cash in shops and would therefore need to carry passport
Cash Passport - Visa Electron type pre paid card - Doesnt know how much is left on card, would need to find an ATM and I have heard some shops dont accept it.


What do you all think?

steveo3002

how about travelers cheques and cash them as needed at the hotel desk so the passport can be left at the hotel

BillTrac

how old is she?

if we had an idea how old she is and how responsible she is perhaps suggestions/options could be advised

Bill

mad_rich

Agreed. Need to know how old and responsible she is in order to advise.

But in general, I would probably recommend the same as I would to an adult (bearing in mind any age restrictions, obviously): at least two, preferably three options. Not too much cash. Don't bother with travellers cheques.

Given that she's travelling with a group, its unlikely that she will end up penniless if an ATM eats her card, so you don't need to worry too much.

isanda

She is 15 and very sensible. Probably taking around $500 - $600.

I quite like the idea of the Visa Electron that Travelex issue, but some forums have siad they have had problems using these in shops.

They are not staying in a hotel, but being hosted by families on an exchange principle, with 2 of them each staying with a different family although they will have some days when they have group trips into New York etc

BillTrac

If she is 15 and responsible I would let her take the cash. The last thing she needs is hassle when a shop won't accept a card for a drink or candy.

Don't forget $600 is only about £300. A lot for a 15-yo but not a great sum.
Just advise her/the host family that she should not take all of it with her all the time.

Hope she has a great time

Bill

hammy_the_hammer

probably dollar travellers cheques ...tell her to use a $100 one in somewhere like walmart for something costing a few dollars and get the change in $'s to spend as required

Heva2015

Can she get a Nationwide card with a cash card too and put a few dollars in there just in case. ATMs are everywhere.

Dulciesaver

My son is doing voluntary work in New York at the moment. He uses a Nationwide cash card which is brilliant. I keep an eye on his monies via his internet banking account and if he needs topping up, I just transfer funds from his e-savings. Alternatively, you can do this from your own bank account (doesn't have to be with Nationwide) via the internet. This is the best way of keeping money (and spending it!) abroad. New York has absolutely loads of ATM's. I do think that Travel Cheques are a thing of the past.

isanda

Heva2015 wrote: »

Can she get a Nationwide card with a cash card too and put a few dollars in there just in case. ATMs are everywhere.

Can she have a Nationwide card when she is under 16. The only one they seem to issue are LINK cards only which I think you cant use abroad

denise_h_2

Have you considered one of the new Post Office money cards which can be preloaded with dollars, and are useable in cashpoints (ATM's in USA)

http://www.postoffice.co.uk/portal/po/jump1?catId=19300207&mediaId=26800661

I am planning on taking a euro version with me in September when I go on my hols