Are debit cards acceptable

[supernanny]

Iam going to usa in september and have noticed that hotels require your credit card details, preferably the card you used to pay for the booking with or a cash deposit for incidentals. The holiday was booked through a tour operator using a debit card as I dont have a credit card will they accept this or will it have to be cash, if it is cash would anyone know roughly how much TIA

[vehelpfulguy]

To be honest it will be a lot easier if you have a credit card.

Hotels and hire car companies prefer to take a swipe of a credit card when you first arrive or hire the car in case you do a runner and they can then bill the card.

Not sure they would accept a debit card as it could have no funds in it,

You dont want to walk around with bundles of cash (although travellers cheques may be a good alternative).

[Eve]

Why not get a credit card to use just for that kind of purpose and just make sure everything is paid off immediately to avoid accruing interest and don't use it for credit as such.

It's also a good idea when ordering goods as you get extra protection with a credit card.

[Bazile]

I would suggest getting the Nationwide Building Society or the Post Office credit card - they are the only two credit cards i'm aware of , that dont charge you for purchasing goods and services abroad - unlike other credit card providers
( Avoid using them to draw cash out ,as there is a charge for this , as is the case with other providers )

[buildersmate]

In what way do these CCs differ from any other? The companies just convert the dollar sums into UKP. Are you saying one gets a better conversion rate with the PO and Nationwide CCs?
(I'm well-aware that the Nationwide FlexAccount does not charge for CASH withdrawals from ATMs abroad)

[Bazile]

They make a charge / fee for using the credit card abroad

Conversion rate is a separate thing

[Ethel]

Yep, foreign useage loading, up to an additional 3%

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/cards/cheaper -spending-overseas