DD off to New York - what's the best way to take her money

Amanda65

Hi all

DD1 is off to New York next week on an art trip with Uni and will need quite a bit of money. They've got to buy a travel pass for $79 when they arrive and have been told to allow $45 per day roughly for food and drink. In addition she has been saving like mad to do some shopping

What do you think is the best way for her to take the money? She's staying in a hostel and I'm really not hapy about her carrying several hundred pounds in cash. I have a Nationwide card and know that it is cheap to withdraw funds in Europe this way but is it still the same as the US ? I thought she could pay her money into my account and withdraw it daily if that's the case and it is also then a safety net if she runs out as I can pay it in. If not, any other suggestions gratefully received.

Thanks xx

Baldur

Amanda65 wrote: »

Hi all

DD1 is off to New York next week on an art trip with Uni and will need quite a bit of money. They've got to buy a travel pass for $79 when they arrive and have been told to allow $45 per day roughly for food and drink. In addition she has been saving like mad to do some shopping

What do you think is the best way for her to take the money? She's staying in a hostel and I'm really not hapy about her carrying several hundred pounds in cash. I have a Nationwide card and know that it is cheap to withdraw funds in Europe this way but is it still the same as the US ? I thought she could pay her money into my account and withdraw it daily if that's the case and it is also then a safety net if she runs out as I can pay it in. If not, any other suggestions gratefully received

The Nationwide card is probably the best bet - there's a 1% VISA fee outside Europe but it will still be cheaper than most other forms of obtaining currency.

ferf1223

with such a short time to go I also think the Nationwide card will be the best option. She won't be able to use it in shops though as they will likely ask for ID and it will need to match the name on the card - but for ATM withdrawals it should be fine. Most cashpoints will charge a fee for withdrawals but that's the case most places in America.

dzug1

I'd sound a note of caution about allowing her to use your debit card. Should it be stolen or cloned and misused, you have forfeited any protection you might have for any wrongful charges since you haven't kept the PIN to yourself.

I'm not saying don't do it, but be aware of the possible consequences.

Doesn't she have one of her own?

HGLTsuperstar

ferf1223 wrote: »

with such a short time to go I also think the Nationwide card will be the best option. She won't be able to use it in shops though as they will likely ask for ID and it will need to match the name on the card - but for ATM withdrawals it should be fine. Most cashpoints will charge a fee for withdrawals but that's the case most places in America.

I never got asked for ID with my Nationwide card in NY in December. Def best option, but minimise the number of ATM withdrawals (get a lump sum) to avoid the ATM fees.
and if she does pay in a shop by card and it gives the option of paying in £, no make sure you pay in $.

Amanda65

dzug1 wrote: »

I'd sound a note of caution about allowing her to use your debit card. Should it be stolen or cloned and misused, you have forfeited any protection you might have for any wrongful charges since you haven't kept the PIN to yourself.

I'm not saying don't do it, but be aware of the possible consequences.

Doesn't she have one of her own?

Thanks for the warning. She has got a Nationwide account so I will get her to call and see if hers has the same cheaper charges as my Flex account.

Baldur

Amanda65 wrote: »

Thanks for the warning. She has got a Nationwide account so I will get her to call and see if hers has the same cheaper charges as my Flex account.

If it's a Cashcard account, it will be even cheaper than the Flex Debit Card, as there is no 1% VISA fee involved - see question 3 in the Q&A here http://www.nationwide.co.uk/current_account/foreigntransactions.htm

HGLTsuperstar

BTW $79 for a travel pass - what does that cover. A $27 metrocard gives unlimited bus and subway for a week.
And $45 per day for food and drink (and as she's at uni guessing she likes a spritzer or two!) may need to budget upwards on that one!

lfc321

HGLTsuperstar wrote: »

I never got asked for ID with my Nationwide card in NY in December. .

You do reasonably often in the US IME. Obviously not a problem with cashpoints.

Amanda65

HGLTsuperstar wrote: »

BTW $79 for a travel pass - what does that cover. A $27 metrocard gives unlimited bus and subway for a week.
And $45 per day for food and drink (and as she's at uni guessing she likes a spritzer or two!) may need to budget upwards on that one!

As she is only 18 and you can't drink until you're 21 in NY they've been told anyone who gets drunk will be sent home . As for the travel card, I will check as I'm not sure what it includes.

HGLTsuperstar

lfc321 wrote: »

You do reasonably often in the US IME. Obviously not a problem with cashpoints.

And IME, never got asked in shops either. Obviously I didn't mean you need ID for the ATM.

And didn't imply DD would be getting drunk, it is possible to have a drink or 2 without getting rat-faced.