Exchanging Sterling For Dollars

[Yorkie580]

I'm going to Florida next week. What's the best method of exchanging money. I've been looking at travellers cheques (can't decide between sterling or us), pre payment cards or cash.

Will I get a better deal changing money up in the UK or in Florida?

[bednobs]

tbh unless you are taking thousands, there's not much difference

[tamborine]

take £50 travellers chx for emergency (lost CCard). Cash must be less than £1k via airport. CCards charge for currency conversions so draw out cash from ATMs in Florida.

[boxtops]

Just take the money out of the hole in the wall when you get there.

[dzug2]

Use a credit card to spend and a debit card in an ATM is generic advice. All sorts of fine tuning about which credit card or which debit card is possible but unless you want to get one specially you are stuck with what you've got.

If you do go for travellers cheques (not a particularly good idea - they went out of fashion years ago) get them in dollars. Sterling ones will be difficult to use.

[ST24]

Don't take too much cash with you unless you want a free colonoscopy at the airport. They are always looking for drug smugglers and illegal immigrants and a lot of cash will make them suspicious of either. Use a credit card for purchases and a debit card for cash withdrawals via ATM.

[fbg40]

The last time I went to Canada, I used a prepaid debit card - it worked brilliantly. Used it in shops, restaurants, petrol stations and in ATMs to get cash. Just one card to carry and very secure. Got mine from Thomas Cook. Highly recommended.
FBG40

[mikey4444]

Don't even think about taking sterling travellers cheques to America ! And I wouldn't rely on taking any sterling notes either.

Cards are best, as you can withdraw a little everyday, and not have to carry so much cash around with you. Dollar travellers cheques are OK. You used to be able to use them in shops just like dollar notes but I am not sure if that is still the case over there. American Express are best...you can get a replacement within a day or so if they are stolen. Keep a separate record of every cheque and where and when you cashed it.

If you are going to use cards, take a couple with you and keep them in different places.

But please.....no sterling cheques !

[spudqueen]

If taking travellers cheques then do take US dollars. Honestly, some people over there don't think that any other currency exists!