Taking holiday money to USA

benjus

Even though Travellers' Cheques are easier to use in the US than pretty much anywhere else in the world, I still wouldn't bother with them. For one thing, you usually get a pretty poor exchange rate when you buy them. For me it's plastic all the way. These days I don't even bother changing a little cash for when I arrive in case there isn't an ATM.

Of course, you should make sure it's the right kind of plastic - one that doesn't charge fees for overseas use, or if you prefer to use a prepaid card, something like the TravelEx Cash Passport Globe that charges only 1.49%. Note that the Globe card is in Sterling and exchanges the money as you use it; US dollar cards are actually more expensive to use than this one.

[Deleted User]

You and the jackieblack family are definitely seasoned travellers. Thanks for the encouragement - I'm sure you'll enjoy your next trip every bit as much as previous ones. All the best!

Crimson

[Deleted User]

benjus wrote: »

Even though Travellers' Cheques are easier to use in the US than pretty much anywhere else in the world, I still wouldn't bother with them. For one thing, you usually get a pretty poor exchange rate when you buy them. For me it's plastic all the way. These days I don't even bother changing a little cash for when I arrive in case there isn't an ATM.

Of course, you should make sure it's the right kind of plastic - one that doesn't charge fees for overseas use, or if you prefer to use a prepaid card, something like the TravelEx Cash Passport Globe that charges only 1.49%. Note that the Globe card is in Sterling and exchanges the money as you use it; US dollar cards are actually more expensive to use than this one.

Thanks, benjus. The advice about having the card in Sterling is very helpful as I wouldn't have known and would have assumed that dollars were cheaper. Somehow I think I'd be more comfortable with prepaid. (I'm making notes from all these helpful posts!)

Crimson