US ($) Currency Thread 1 (closed - use thread 2)

Incapuppy

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?p=5763388&highlight=america+travellers+cheques#post5763388

PandaPants_2

I've got a Caxton FX pre-pay card which always seems to have the best exchange rate. It changes every day, so get the card and wait for a good rate before you load it.

I made the mistake of thinking you load when you buy, but you don't.... I missed out on $2 last week....

jackieblack

sturll wrote: »

I holiday in the states about 3 times per year, i remember in Jan 2006 the exchange was about 1.92, peaking last Jan at 2.1, now its floating around 1.96.

The point being whilst no one knows what will happen (if someone did they'd be a millionaire) it is unlikely to fluctuate much.

We got 1.75 in Sept 2005 and 1.68 - 1.70 in March 2006, and that was the best rate I could find after ALOT of shopping around! (travel money exchange rate, not bank rate):eek:

:think: Personally, I work on the principal that 'a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush' and have been buying some $ when the currency exchange rate has gone above 1.90 ready for our trip next year. At least that way I know I'm getting a reasonable rate and don't have the worry that the rate might drop nearer the time._pale_

jackieblack

horrorhag wrote: »

have spent years using travellers cheques when going to america my partner has decided to just take $500 cash to San Fran and use his debit card (First direct) for any other cash he may need. is he right in thinking that travellers cheques are harder to use in america now adays? i havent been in nearly 5 years. i have looked that MSE page about it but its very confusing to me. if i follow suit with my OH i would be using HSBC card. any advice would be much appreciated

Used TC with no problems at all in Florida earlier this year (and two years ago) but I suppose it might vary across the states.

Froggitt

Amex TCs treated like cash in Orlando and Vegas last year.

andypaul

why does the post office show on your money maz list 1.94 us dollars but then going on there site only give you 1.91 dollars.

STSAVER

STSAVER wrote: »

can anyone advise how long it has taken for them to get one of the Prepaid cards from somewhere such as FairFX.com?

Going to order today hopefully, but will be needing it for our departure on Sunday August 10th.

Site advises 7-10 days for delivery - does anyone know if 10 days is likely as that would be too late.

for future reference to others.

Card arrived within 3 days of the order but still waiting the pin code.

oliviarosejackson

Hi all,

I am going to Mexico at the end of Aug, where they take US dollars. Was wondering if anyone could advise me on the best way to take the cash?? Would it be a good idea to take some US dollars and put the rest on a prepaid card?? How do you put money onto the cards?

Any help is greatly apprecitated, as I am terrible with this sort of stuff

Thanks

pamelab21

don't know what to do now, have watched the dollar drop from 1.97 to 1.93 now. Unsure whether to jump in and buy now or see if the rate climbs back up, not sure what the likelyhood of that is at all.
Don't travel until end October but have lost about £40.00 already with the drop.

Murphy_The_Cat

pamelab21 wrote: »

don't know what to do now, have watched the dollar drop from 1.97 to 1.93 now. Unsure whether to jump in and buy now or see if the rate climbs back up, not sure what the likelyhood of that is at all.
Don't travel until end October but have lost about £40.00 already with the drop.

look on the brightside, you've only 'lost' $40, not £40.

cheer up Pamela, over the cost of your holiday, the currency fluctuation won't make much difference.