Using US Dollars

[rebby]

I'm trying to find out what is the safest and most practical way of managing my US $ when on holiday next year. I hate carrying cash, so I plan to only carry a few $ around to be used for taxi/bus/meals etc. I thought about travellers cheques but someone told me you need ID to cash them in, and I don't fancy carrying my passport around with me. I considered using my debit card to draw money out of ATMs when needed, but of course that will cost. Any ideas/past experiences would be great.

[Pinotage]

If you are talking about travelling in the USA, you can pay for most things with credit cards. If you get US Dollar travellers cheques you can use them like cash in shops, restuarants etc.

I use very little cash while in the US

[rebby]

We are based in Chicago only doing a small amount of travelling.

[goldfish1]

Hi rebby. If you've time, open a Flex Account with the Nationwide and put your holiday cash in there. The Nationwide don't charge for any transactions overseas (as long as you have sufficient funds) from ATM machines. I've used this on several trips to USA. Also The Nationwide credit card may be worthwhile applying for to use in USA. Again there are no charges for using this overseas. The down side is that you don't get as long to pay off the balance as you do with some cards. You will require photographic ID to use a credit card or to cash travellers cheques in USA.

Enjoy the trip!

[dzug]

ICBW but I think you have to carry ID around with you.

[spudqueen]

Hi rebby, I find that travellers cheques are a great way of paying for things in the US. If something costs say $30, pay with a $50 travellers cheque and they give you the change in cash. A lot of places do ask for ID but I've had no problem showing my (with photo) driving licence rather than my passport. Yes you can get cash from ATMS very easily (the charges aren't too bad) and of course use credit card but the beauty of travellers cheques is that if they are lost or stolen you can get replacements very quickly and easily. If your cash card/credit card is lost or stolen you may find that you are stuck with no money. If I were you I'd take some travellers cheques and also your cards!