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Post by mslibrarian on Sept 12, 2008 10:58:30 GMT -5
I like to use Travellers Cheques when I'm in the UK. They are easy and there are enough American Express offices about that it doesn't cost anything to cash them. But what about on the continent?
I'm wondering how I should go about handling my money. I prefer to have it on me, in some form or another, before I leave.
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Post by pointofnoreturn on Sept 13, 2008 8:22:05 GMT -5
Don't use them. They're a thing of the past. Many shop owners refuse to take them and while it's ideal that if you lose it, you can have it replaced.
Use your ATM card and withdraw money from ATMs - they're ALL over Europe, even in the smallest places! I would withdraw enough Euros to last 3-4 days and continue to withdraw money every couple of days. Check with your bank to see what the fees are.
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Post by mslibrarian on Sept 13, 2008 21:19:55 GMT -5
As I mentioned, I haven't had any problems with them in the UK, but it's good to know they aren't good for Europe.
I'm just the type of person who likes to, basicaly...pre-pay her vacation. When I get back, I want to owe nothing..nothing on credit,.
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Post by Eagle on Sept 14, 2008 4:44:28 GMT -5
mslibrarian, I also don't use Traveller's Cheques any longer. They seem to be less common these days, and as PONR mentioned many shop owners won't accept them any longer. That means that travellers have to find a Bank or American Express office to cash the cheques.
ATM's occasionally have problems, but I find them to be a much better option than T.C's. In a way ATM's are also a method to "pre-pay" a vacation, as the funds are available in a chequing account when needed. That's much the same as T.C.'s - they're available to be cashed when needed.
Cheers!
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Post by WillTravel on Sept 14, 2008 16:37:22 GMT -5
I set up payments ahead of time with my bank account online (for credit cards and utilities), so I'm never in the position of being overdue for a bill when travelling. I always keep ahead of my credit card payments, just by prepaying extra.
When travelling, I use ATMs, and do some payments by credit card. I also get cash ahead of time (because it's possible to get a very good rate in Vancouver), and my backup beyond that, should I ever need it, would be a credit card advance (and then I would immediately set up an online payment to cover it via my bank account). I've never used the credit card advance, and there are likely some extra fees for this method. But with a combination of cash in advance, credit card usage, and ATMs, I've had no problems.
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