Ain't Nobody Here Posted May 6, 2012 Share Posted May 6, 2012 I'm looking into the best way to spend money on holiday in the USA. We're only going to be in New York for 5 days but as we will be 4 adults and it's our first time in the US we'll be doing all the sightseeing stuff (and eating out a lot!) which will probably cost us quite a bit. It's also mine (50th) and YS's (18th) birthdays on the same day while we're away so there may be some birthday spending . Is it best to get loads of dollars before we go and just spend cash? Or should we take a specialist credit card? I gather we need to watch out for charges for cash machines. The Halifax has a credit card which has no foreign exchange fee/commission or overseas cash withdrawal charge. You get charged interest on cash withdrawals but as we're only away a few days, we could pay it off as soon as we get back. We already have an account so should be eligible. Or am I overthinking this and the charges really aren't worth going to the bother of applying for a new credit card ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Space Chick Posted May 6, 2012 Share Posted May 6, 2012 We always take a lot of dollars and have a credit card too (we have the Halifax one and find it great for foreign travel) You need plenty of dollars for tips Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
percy049 Posted May 6, 2012 Share Posted May 6, 2012 We always get dollars before hand. We usually look around to see where we can get the best deal, last year it was at The Money Shop (I hope this isn't advertising!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted May 6, 2012 Share Posted May 6, 2012 I think if you booked with a travel agent they do preferential exchange rates which may be worth a look at. Last year the best exchange rate when we went away was with M&S money. We had a travellers cheque card which I think acts like a debit card with no charges(?) and is more secure than taking cash with you. Sounds good - hope you have a great time! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ClaireG Posted May 6, 2012 Share Posted May 6, 2012 Hubby has a fairfx card, which gives a great rate. If you pay in a shop etc with it there is no charge. The charge for getting cash out is about £1.50. You get bonus for adding more than £400. If you go through Martin Lewis, Money Saving Expert you should be able to get the card free. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted May 7, 2012 Author Share Posted May 7, 2012 Thanks for the tips and advice, everyone . I've decided to apply for the Clarity card but have also looked at the prepaid cash cards. That might suit YS (17) when he goes to Bulgaria on holiday in June. Thanks . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meezers Posted May 7, 2012 Share Posted May 7, 2012 Dollars travellers cheques can be spent like cash and are probably the safest way to take money. We take a mixture of cash and pre paid card - Fairfx or Caxton are good, you can use them to pay for goods like a debit card or just withdraw cash from an ATM. I don't like using credit cards, too easy to overspend and I always feel a bit anxious as they don't use chip and pin in the states, just sign like we used to years ago. Just to add, I've recently ordered currency for our next trip from Travelfx- excellent service and good rate, Fairfx usually give a good rate as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackrocksrock Posted May 8, 2012 Share Posted May 8, 2012 I am just back from the US for the second time in 9 months - took cash only and had my credit card in case of emergencies - I was staying with friends which was easy for me but eating out is very cheap and remember everything has tax added to the listed priced in shops, supermarkets etc. Each state has their own tax (like VAT) and they set their limit. Enjoy it - the food can be really so so good to eat out. Make sure you have 50 dollar bills or less as they don't like 100's in some shops. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abwsco Posted May 8, 2012 Share Posted May 8, 2012 Personally there is no way I'd travel abroad and in particular to the USA without a credit card. We were once stranded by the airline and bad weather in Chicago. We had to pay for extra nights hotel and food. Also if you need medical attention at all they can ask for some money to be paid up front before they'll treat you. Wouldn't trust a pre loaded cash card either. I'd take dollars to start you off, travellers cheques and credit cards Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LolaLayla Posted August 1, 2012 Share Posted August 1, 2012 Not long now Hope you are all organised Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted August 1, 2012 Author Share Posted August 1, 2012 The butterflies are starting . None of us has been to the US before and although I've been on long flights before, I was 13 the last time! I've got lots of dollars in cash and also our Halifax Clarity cards which have no fees attached so we should be fine . New York, here we come . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparkysmum Posted August 1, 2012 Share Posted August 1, 2012 Have a great time Vicki & family Happy Birthdays when they come Everyone in Sparkyshouse xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abwsco Posted August 1, 2012 Share Posted August 1, 2012 Hope you'll do a report for us Vicki Have you done your ESTA's? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LolaLayla Posted August 1, 2012 Share Posted August 1, 2012 Good Have a lovely time and have a happy birthday Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted August 1, 2012 Author Share Posted August 1, 2012 Thanks, everyone . Have you done your ESTA's? Yes . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purplemaniacs Posted August 1, 2012 Share Posted August 1, 2012 Have a lovely time....and happy birthday to you and your son. Chrissie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
