Does Anyone Still Use Travellers Cheques

cloudy-day

Afternoon.


We are off to Crete in June, previously for European Holidays we have taken cash and Travellers cheques. Mostly for security, but the resort's 1 ATM is very flaky and frequently runs out of cash!


In the US we use cash and the credit card - have the Saga one for the best rates.


So, do people still use Travellers cheques or is it all done on the plastic?


Any advice welcome!

stevie11

I think you will find TC's are now an outdated form of exchange. Even if you can buy them finding places that accept them is now more limited.

The more common form of exchange is cash, credit card, a pre-loaded money card or even an app on a phone. Plenty of posts on the forum regarding this topic.

cloudy-day

Thanks, I did a search but couldn't find anything.

stevie11

have a look in The Flights, Currency & Car Hire Board.

London50

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/travel/2012/05/is-it-worth-buying-travellers-cheques

pelirocco

Or just your debit card ( or even find another ATM ) . I personally wouldnt bother with a preloaded card , We always take cash , debit and credit card , just like being at home

cloudy-day

pelirocco wrote: »

Or just your debit card ( or even find another ATM ) . I personally wouldnt bother with a preloaded card , We always take cash , debit and credit card , just like being at home

Thanks. I suppose its a security thing - we are an 'older' couple used to Travellers cheques!

blindman

cloudy-day wrote: »

Thanks. I suppose its a security thing - we are an 'older' couple used to Travellers cheques!

Time to drag yourselves into the Naughties then

Travel Money

Saga card is 8th on the list. :cool:

leylandsunaddict

cloudy-day wrote: »

Thanks. I suppose its a security thing - we are an 'older' couple used to Travellers cheques!

I don't know what you consider 'older', but I'm in my 60s and haven't used travellers cheques for years. We take about €100 in cash and then use a Clarity card for cash or purchases.

poppystar

cloudy-day wrote: »

Thanks. I suppose its a security thing - we are an 'older' couple used to Travellers cheques!

Then a pre loaded travel card would probably suit you best. There are quite a few out there - Caxton is the one we use.
You can load it before you go with euros - keep an eye on the exchange rate as you would for cash and load it when the rates are good!
The way I look at it is then even if the worst happened and it was lost/stolen there is only the amount you put on there lost maximum - less if you get to a phone and cancel the card quickly!
The only downside is most won't replace the card when you are away and so it is best to take your usual credit/debit for backup which you can lock away safely rather than carry around with you.

Voyager2002

cloudy-day wrote: »

Afternoon.


We are off to Crete in June, previously for European Holidays we have taken cash and Travellers cheques. Mostly for security, but the resort's 1 ATM is very flaky and frequently runs out of cash!


In the US we use cash and the credit card - have the Saga one for the best rates.


So, do people still use Travellers cheques or is it all done on the plastic?


Any advice welcome!

I suggest that you try and find out whether you can exchange Travellers' Cheques in the resort where you will be staying. If so, they would be a good way to avoid worrying whether the ATM will work while not facing the risks of carrying large sums in cash. However, you cannot assume that you will be able to exchange them.