euro travellers cheques

astrobabe_2

Anyone else had trouble using travellers cheques in Europe? We have just returned from the Italian Lakes and NO ONE would take them, banks, hotels, restaurants... Tried several towns, but no luck. Ended up having to pay hotel bill on credit card & bringing them home. Now stuck as we have £600 which we can change back to sterling, but are going to lose out on the duff buying /selling exchange rate scam. Has anyone else had this problem & if so do you have any suggestions on how we can minimise our loss?

We are going to complain to Amex but I don't suppose they will be interested.

alanrowell

Plenty of people have reported problems using TC's. As to what to do - use your ATM card next time

Glittermonkey

Could you maybe sell them onto somebody who is travelling to somewhere in Europe?

I suppsoe these days the majority of the companies are more interested in these cash passport type things (pre-loaded debit cards) - after hearing your experience I can see why they would probably be easier.

dzug

You can't sell TCs on - they have your signature on them.

So either keep them for another trip (other destinations may be marginally easier to change them in) or find the least bad place to change them - M&S maybe? They have a fairly small spread - and it's symmetrical. Many places skew the rates against repurchases.

davetrousers

Glittermonkey wrote: »

Could you maybe sell them onto somebody who is travelling to somewhere in Europe?

No chance, they are in your name with your signature on, and when you cash one you (often) need to show them your passport.

I've never had any problems with them in France and Spain, so can't really comment!

Glittermonkey

D'oh! Didn't even think about that! And i work in foreign exchange..I blame being at work since 4am lol!

I've never had a problem with T/Chqs either but I tend to use cash.

xxxdarlingxxx

Mmm me too just back from Madrid and the only bank whicvh would change them was one city centre branch of the BBVB.

alanrowell

Glittermonkey wrote: »

I suppsoe these days the majority of the companies are more interested in these cash passport type things (pre-loaded debit cards) - after hearing your experience I can see why they would probably be easier.

And more expensive than even TC's - I believe Martin did an article on them for a newspaper where he "recommended" only 2 of them.

Glittermonkey

Yes, I think they are more expensive.

I know the ones we sell have the same commission as stg t/c when selling them but then you are charged each time you take money out of an ATM (which can be quite a bit) and also charged if your card is inactive.

Asrobabe - How did you get on with Amex? Our company does a helpline number for problems with T/Chqs and provide assistance if you cant cash them, hopefully Amex provide something similar?

astrobabe_2

sorry for the delay in replying, we now have an official complaint logged with them. My husband has changed the TCs & we hope to get the money back, will let you know the outcome. It seems quite hopeful at the moment.

dmg24

I don't understand why you have made a complaint? What have AMEX done wrong?