FairFX or Travellers Cheques?

[Suffolk dad]

We go in September, I'm just about to take the plunge and buy the first big chunk of our spends.

I can't decide between a prepaid card (probably FairFX) or good old Travellers Cheques.

I've heard scare stories about TC's not being as widely accepted as they have been in the past, but I've also heard scare stories about money being ringfenced on prepaid cards.

Rate is slightly better to go down the FairFX route, but not enough to make a massive difference to the amount we will receive.

I'd like to make the decision based on ease of use when we are there, so what would your advice be?

Thanks in advance

[scottishmum]

We are just back 3 weeks ago and took tc, we had absolutley no trouble using them. Its a bit of a myth Im afraid, there are a couple of places that wont accept I think golden coral being one.
I like TC as I like to see how much spends I actually have left.
Took them last year to chicago and in 2011 to Boston and never had one refused either.

Its really a myth, lots of travel agents just want you take out their cards.

[pudge]

Each to their own I say...however I tried fairfx card back in March 2010 and whilst it was relatively easy to use, my problem was not knowing balance and being able to get money out so we only really used it at Publix for our shopping, we had taken a mix of cash, tc's and card... I have reverted back to cash and tc's in October 2010 and October 2012 with no problems, however I have also read about the tc's being phased out so we will just take cash

[MILOMEG]

We have used FairFX cards the last 3 times we have been and couldn't recommend more. So easy.

[Guest]

i take all 3 tc cash and fairfx if you have a iphone u can download thefairfx app and it will tell you your balance etc so u can keep a check on it

[james weir]

All credit cards have cash ringfenced,and all the prepaid cards do inform you of this fact,and you can avoid this when you ask for the bill inform your server that you are wanting to tip in cash,which means no funds will be ringfenced

[Andi]

We always take cash and American Express Travellers Cheques. Never had a problem in America with Amex TC's, you can cash them at any of the Disney Parks at Customer Services and also use them to pay in shops/restaurants and get the change. As already mentioned Golden Corral don't accept TC but other than that it is just a case of making sure they have sufficient change in the till before signing TC especially if you are needing a lot of dollars change.

I got some $$ last week in the Moneyshop and the guy there really tried to convince me to take their money card as he said very few places in America take TC's. I politely told him that I had never had a problem in all the years I had been and we also went last summer and never had a problem anywhere.

[Lisa29]

I have some TCs, cash and fairfx cards. The app on the iPhone is great for fairfx. As long as you don't use your currency card for 'hold' on your room or hire car, you won't end up withering fenced money.

[Guest]

i went in november and took both, most places took my TC with no problem but i also loved the ease with the card

[birdiesX4]

Travellers cheques, cash and credit card for emergency. Not had a problem anywhere.