Holiday Spending... Which Is Best?

[MustangLady]

I've booked to travel to USA at end of this year. Many years ago when I went to Florida, I bought travellers cheques to use out there. Are they still available to buy/use? Can anyone who has recently travelled to USA recommend best way to spend money out there, rather not take just cash. Someone suggested a new 'spending' card similar to debit card, which can be stopped up online. Is this ok to use in USA, is it widely used and can cash be drawn on it if I need cash for purchases out there ? Are travellers cheques still ok to use? Any recommendations Please.

[mikey4444]

I would take about $200 with you in cash, as you will need some as soon as you arrive. Traveller Cheques are quite old fashioned these days. Why don't you use your debit card, exactly as you would at home. America must have squillions of cash points !

[MustangLady]

Mikey444. I thought they would charge me stupid percentage using my own debit card out there? Heard about this 'spending card' that works similar to cash payment, I'll have to try find out about it more but don't know unbiased website other than there to get proper reviews on using it.

[sunny-dave]

Since you have time to investigate, look into getting a Halifax Clarity Credit Card - there is no loading for foreign transactions and Cash Withdrawals are also very cheap if you clear all the balances quickly when you get home.

[Graham-W]

The Post Office travel card is reckoned to be one of the best.
http://www.postoffice.co.uk/travel-money/card

[sunny-dave]

If you are over 50, then a Saga Platinum Credit Card is also very good - no loading for purchases and only 2% charge for cash withdrawals.

[mikey4444]

I haven't heard of this new card before. Why don't you ask your bank or BS about this and get them to give you a low down on the charges ? Also, take at least two different cards with you, as back-up incase something happens to one of them.

I have travelled extensively across the States in years gone by. I have gone coast-to-coast twice and done Route 66 as well, but I have never been to Florida. It was always said that American Express travellers cheques could be used like dollar notes but never found that to be the case, especially when "off the beaten track" Anyway, there is now so many fake travellers cheques about, that I have heard that retailers are now wary about accepting them.

I still think a debit card is the best way.

[237SJ]

Debit cards are more expensive to use than credit cards. Hardly anybody uses travellers cheques any more. I`d use a no-loading credit card and have cash as back up (make sure you`ve always got some dollar bills for tips).

[MustangLady]

Thankyou all very much. Sunny-dave, I'm not over 50 but will look into the clarity card with Halifax. Had feeling travellers cheques outdated now, I last used them in Florida approx 10 yrs ago. I'll try get appt at my bank see what options and look into the post office card as suggested.

[Greedyfly]

We recently went to the US and we used a travel money card from the post office. You load it with cash in dollars and it's like a debit/credit card. Dead simple to use and was great for the holiday. Could also be used at cash machines.