Best way to carry money in USA for 2 weeks? credit card? cash?

Obanboy

My partner and I fly to USA in 3 weeks time for the first time.

We have £3000 to take with us (US$5050) But what is the best way to carry this?

Cash?
Travellers Cheque?
Credit Card?
Pre-paid Credit Card?

We would be a bit uncomfortable carrying all that cash on us.

Any advice would be great.

NiftyDigits

Halifax Clarity with Kalixa Pay as a back up. Get Kalixa Pay for free here

Keep most of the money in your UK account and just transfer chunks into the Kalixa Pay card via debit card.

Kalixa Pay is unbeatable for purchases anywhere. Equal to the Halifax Clarity. No exchange rate fee at all.
If using at an ATM, take a decent chunk out. The equivalent of £100 will cost out at 2.25%. £200, 1.5%, £300, 0.75%
Considering that other currency cards shave 2% to 3% off the exchange rate, it's easy to see that you can match or better them when it comes to cash withdrawal value. The others can't compete at all when it comes to purchases.
Compare their(Kalixa Pay) offered rates (Your currency is GBP) Currently: US$1.68640

Obanboy

NiftyDigits wrote: »

Halifax Clarity with Kalixa Pay as a back up.

Thanks - do you mean take both a Halifax Clarity & Kalixa?

Sorry for being naive but why both?

NiftyDigits

Never depend on one card. If Halifax block the card for any reason, you have a backup in the Kalixa Pay.

If you don't use the KP card, you can spend whatever is on it, penny for penny in the UK.

Nick_C

As an aside, note that in the US many places routinely ask for ID w when you pay by credit card, so take your driving license with you.

skippyste

Always just take my Halifax Clarity. Make sure you get the Mastercard ATM finder app to find the chip enabled ATM's if you need to withdraw cash as doesn't seem to work at others.

Saying that I've done New York three times now with a credit card and never needed cash (take a tiny bit to leave housekeeping tips though!).

Obanboy

Thank you all for your helpful responses. I have successfully applied for the Halifax Clarity and the Kalixa Pay.

NiftyDigits

Don't put too much on the Kalixa at one time.
Have a system wherein you can make payments to your Clarity account(to pay down any ATM withdrawals made by the card soonest) and to load the Kalixa Pay(preferably via debit card) whilst abroad.

You can use the Clarity for both small and large ATM withdrawals and purchases. Kalixa Pay for large ATM withdrawals and purchases.

wondercollie

I usually head south with about $500 cash and put the rest on my credit cards and pay it the day I come home.

Archergirl

You may not get it in time if you go in 3 weeks, why did you leave it so late?
Never had to show id for using a CC. If you can get cash out of Gesa Bank ATM they didnt charge on our NW card.

wondercollie

Most stores will ask for picture ID, especially in touristy areas. Sephora, Saks, Coach, pretty much any higher ticket retailer. Never had it happen in a bar or restaurant.


I just look at it as extra security. Had one of my cards cloned a few years back and luckily the bank caught it and called.