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Using a bank card in America

Hi all,

So I a starting to save up for a trip to New York next year (probably October 2013 or there abouts) and want to know the best way to spend money

I am going to be doing some serious spending (I will be saving over 2k which is going to give me over 3k in dollars) and I certainly don't want to be carrying that sort of cash around

I have read on my bank website that you are charge £1.50 for each transaction- now keeping in mind some will be quite large, is it worth it for the security and peace of mind? I will obviously just have to factor in this £1.50 charge into everything else.

Is there any sort of account that doesn't charge abroad? Not credit cards.

I know there are travellers cheques- how do these work? Can I choose the amount on each cheque? But again I don't want to keep running backwards and forwards and carrying large sums of money about..

Maybe a way to do it would be to take minimal cash for tourist attractions, and then shopping I do use my card?

Comments

  • benjus
    benjus Posts: 5,433 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts
    There are several such cards - read this: http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/cheap-travel-money

    Personally I use a Metro Bank debit card. However, it's not totally free as you will find that most (not all) ATMs in the USA charge their own fee.
    Let's settle this like gentlemen: armed with heavy sticks
    On a rotating plate, with spikes like Flash Gordon
    And you're Peter Duncan; I gave you fair warning
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