Best way to spend in US

Carolinemjs

My friend is going to Orlando next Thursday for a 2week holiday.
What will be the best way for him to pay for things,including car hire.
he has a Santander 123 Credit card and debit card and has made no arrangements for cash.

Thank you

PeacefulWaters

Your friend should have read this article a couple of weeks ago to give them time to obtain a different card such as Halifax Clarity or Kalixa prepay. Might be cutting it fine now.

For the two Santander cards mentioned I'd suggest using credit card for all purchases and ATM withdrawals. Avoid smaller ATM withdrawals (the ATM charges a fee as does your bank). You might be able to avoid ATMs altogether - we did in USA!

Take the debit card as a backup. Don't use it unless essential.

Here are a list of charges. Note the differences between credit card and debit card and then between purchase and cash.

N9eav

I always use a credit card for most things. Yes in most cases there is a charge for the use, but often it is not much.
Get some cash as you need it for places that are not hooked up to the card machines. Avoid getting cash from cash machines out there. Compare travel agents and banks in the high street (even money lenders) and buy dollars before you go, don't wait until he gets to the airport.
I have never felt ripped off by using a credit card, although there are ways to save a few pounds, but looks like your friend has not planned that well.


Some debit cards charge £1 per transaction which on small purchases can be a huge percentage of the cost of the purchases.


Book car hire here before your friend gets there, it is much cheaper that way

Carolinemjs

Is my understanding of the charges correct - better to use credit card than debit?
What about withdrawing cash or taking it with him?

PeacefulWaters

Carolinemjs wrote: »

Is my understanding of the charges correct - better to use credit card than debit?

Yes. Look to make purchases and avoid ATM withdrawals unless essential.

If an ATM withdrawal is needed then one larger withdrawal is cheaper than several small ones. Remember to clear the card balance ASAP as interest charges apply.

What about withdrawing cash or taking it with him?

As a family of three we did 12 nights in the USA last year. We never used an ATM but had taken $300 dollars with us. Best exchange rates here.

Credit card acceptance is virtually everywhere in the USA. Cash for tipping. Card for spending.

Roger1

See http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/cheap-travel-money?&_ga=1.178667300.1454538397.1427530057#howgood

Your friend's Santander debit card is a debit card from hell! And the 1-2-3 credit card isn't much better. Compare the cards in that link.

It looks as though he's stuck with them this time as it's now too late to make other sensible arrangements.