Taking holiday money to USA

[Deleted User]

I'm not a seasoned traveller and I am excited about a possible holiday in USA. I would like to take some cash in US dollars but can anyone suggest what would be the best way of accessing more spending money when my dollars run out, please?

I don't know if there is any limit to the number of dollars you can take but I would be concerned about carrying too much cash with me. It's a guided tour but is not full board so I'll have to buy some of my meals etc. from my spending money. Any information will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you

Crimson

stevedisco

I will be travelling to USA next month also.

I plan to take some dollars plus a FairFX pre-paid credit card for use in retailers, restaurants and to withdraw cash and finally I have just applied for a Halifax Clarity credit card which will be my backup for emergency spend only.

jackieblack

We always some US$ in cash for tipping and incidental expenses, but pay for all meals and everything else with credit cards (paid off in full when we get home). If you have (or have time to apply for) card that don't charge foreign transaction fees these are cheaper and usually we get a better rate of exchange as well.
Lots of info here

With regard to any limit, I believe if you wish to take in more than $10,000 you have to declare it at customs.

Lovelyjoolz

When I go stateside, I take some cash (around $500) so that I have ready cash for small purchases, a credit card for emergencies and the rest in travellors cheques. I buy the American Express USD travellers cheques, because they are widely acceptable in restaurants, shops etc out there, and if change is due, they give it in dollars.

Remember to take lots of singles ($1 notes) with you for tips. Everyone needs tipping out there, from busboys to taxi drivers, so its easier if you have singles to do that with.

Have a fantastic trip!

jackieblack

We used to take US$ travellers cheques (Amex) but started to have problems with some places not/no longer accepting them, especially in non/less touristy areas. We don't bother anymore.

[Deleted User]

Thank you everyone - this is exactly the information and advice I was hoping for. I need to do a wee bit of homework and I'm delighted to have received your very helpful replies, thank you very much.

Crimson

jackieblack

Whereabouts will your tour take you Crimson? (I'd be excited too!)

[Deleted User]

jackieblack wrote: »

Whereabouts will your tour take you Crimson? (I'd be excited too!)

Hi jackieblack - I've not booked yet but hopefully a guided tour of New York, Philadelphia, Lancaster (Amish Country), Shenandoah Valley and Washington DC - the tour is called 'Heritage of America' and sounds really interesting.

I'll be going on my own but as part of a guided tour group so it should be OK. As I'm not a seasoned traveller, now in my retirement, and I'm willing to try!

Thanks for being interested, jackieblack. The folks on these forums are all so helpful and it is much appreciated.

Crimson

Doshwaster

I wouldn't bother with travellers cheques either - they are so 20th Century.

I go to the US regularly and almost all of my spending is on plastic. Apart from tips, vending machines and some taxis (depending on the city,some don't take cards) then you can live an almost cash-free existence. Buy a cup of coffee on a card and nobody will bat an eyelid. I typically withdraw $100 from an ATM at the airport on arrival, buy something cheap to get change and that cash usually lasts me a week.

jackieblack

Deleted_User wrote: »

Hi jackieblack - I've not booked yet but hopefully a guided tour of New York, Philadelphia, Lancaster (Amish Country), Shenandoah Valley and Washington DC - the tour is called 'Heritage of America' and sounds really interesting.

I'll be going on my own but as part of a guided tour group so it should be OK. As I'm not a seasoned traveller, now in my retirement, and I'm willing to try!

Thanks for being interested, jackieblack. The folks on these forums are all so helpful and it is much appreciated.

Crimson

Sounds like a great trip, I've never done a guided tour but I can see the appeal if you're travelling on your own - I'd say go for it!
We love visiting the USA, so far it has always been myself, Hubby & our daughter (now 16), but I'd still go if I was on my own. We have been to Florida, Nevada, Arizona, California, Oregon and Washington (state) We always hire a car (Hubby & I share the driving). We're not really city people, you need a city to fly in and out of but, generally, we enjoy it more once we're on the road and out of the cities.
This year we're flying into New York and, after a few days there, will be taking off across Pennsylvania and Ohio visting various rollercoaster parks on the way, but we will also be visiting Gettysburg and Amish country. We're planning to 'do' Washington DC and Shenandoah on our trip next year.

photome

Halifax clarity and a small amount of cash

I have just returned and withdrew $1200 dollars in 2 withdrawals. $1 fee paid each time. have just paid off the clarity the exchange rate was 1.598. You cant beat it.

I pay hotel bills and shopping on PO card, so that I have 2 cards while abroad