Spending money for USA?

anonymousie

HI, be gentle, there are probably lots of threads on this but I can't find them, and I did try the "search" button:o

Flying to New York in a week or so (hooray!!)

We can get dollars from the PO, no problem, but how much can/should we take?

How do we then proceed to ontain money? Do people still take travellers cheques to the US? I haven't bothered in Europe for many years.

Do UK cards work from USA cash dispensers? We will obviously leave enough cash in accounts to cover this- any particular concerns re charges, or does it just operate this europe-you get the banks exchange rate at the time and pay a fee for with drawing too (so you should get a decent amount out at a time..).

Safeguarding money:
obviously pickpockets as any city so keep money out of site etc
any interesting US scams to beware of-we aren't, I think daft enough to change money with a guy who walks up and offers us a good rate ( for fake cash...) etc
I have heard that US folks in certain areas keep a "fake" wallet with a few dollars and expired cards in to give to muggers- are we really encountering somewhere that this is likely to be needed:eek:

Thanks

GlennTheBaker

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=179551

moonrakerz

anonymousie wrote: »

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How do we then proceed to ontain money? Do people still take travellers cheques to the US? I haven't bothered in Europe for many years.

Do UK cards work from USA cash dispensers? We will obviously leave enough cash in accounts to cover this- any particular concerns re charges, or does it just operate this europe-you get the banks exchange rate at the time and pay a fee for with drawing too (so you should get a decent amount out at a time..).

Just get dollars from ATMs, if you don't have a Nationwide (or Co-op ?) debit card, your bank will charge you a fee for each withdrawal. Make sure the bank owning the ATM doesn't do the same.
Use your credit card as in UK, don't use your debit card anywhere other than an ATM.

torbrex

I always give myself a cash allowance fo 30-40 dollars/day for pin money and use my credit card for everything else, I use my Nationwide card to save on the 2.5% surcharge that most other cards levy on foriegn currency purchases.
You do need to remember that as yet they do not use chip & pin over there but they are more used to taking a credit card for even the smallest amount.

Avoid taking money out of the cash dispensers as you will be charged interest on it instantly as well as any charge the dispenser might add on.

I have been going to America every year for 7 years and have never been a victim of any crimes, just behave as you would at home and try not to act like a tourist, if in any doubt about areas to avoid ask at your hotel and they will keep you right.

paulinespens

If taking cash try Marks and Spencers they offered be best rate last year.

alanrowell

How many times is this asked every week?