Travelling to the USA - How to take my $$$?

[JoeBloggs]

I'm off to the USA for 3 and a half weeks in 2 weeks time. My friend has $4000, in hard cash.

 

How do people take their currency abroad? I'm thinking to take some in cash, and the rest on these pre-paid currency VISA cards?

[zag]

I just take my debit card, works worldwide and the rates seem similar to converting to cash.

[kevbaz]

When i went last month we have over $2k in cash, me n the missus had half each on us then as soon as we reached our villa we popped it into the safe

[Brucy]

We took about 1/3rd cash and 2/3 travellers cheques (west cost us) - worked well for us. Might be a bit trickier if going off the beaten track

[JoeBloggs]

I'll just add where I am staying. I am travelling all over so my accomodation will consist of luxury hotels, motels, tent cabins & hostels.

[localzuk]

A couple of prepaid top-up cards are your most secure bet. That way you can stick money in the account for each, and then whilst travelling, only have a small amount in the actual 'card' at a time - you just need to call them, text them or go to their site to move the funds from the account to the card then. You can also 'lock' the card by text, so you can secure it against theft.

[stevenlong1985]

just giving you the heads up your only allowed to take certain amount in cash i think its 1,000 maybe 10,000 double check it! im sure its £1,000 else you need to show proof and why you are taking so much.

 

If do take your debit card your better off using Nationwide as they dont charge!

[tech_guy]

'Er indoors & I do a fair bit of travelling and we always take visa cards, cash in local currency (enough to get us out of trouble), and travellers cheques in dollars. We've started taking some Euros too now as sometimes you get a more favourable exchange rate depending on where you're going country wise. Never trust the safes in hotel rooms. We always leave our valuable and passports in the main hotel safe and get receipts.

[JoeBloggs]

Travel Money Card

The Lloyds TSB Travel Money Card service has been withdrawn.

 

Exising cardholders: As previously advised, from 1st May 2011 your card will no longer work

 

Wonderful!

[localzuk]

Travel Money Card

The Lloyds TSB Travel Money Card service has been withdrawn.

 

Exising cardholders: As previously advised, from 1st May 2011 your card will no longer work

 

Wonderful!

 

There are loads of different ones out there.

[sparkeh]

Some cash, some travellers cheques but the best thing I have is the Santander Zero credit card with no fee for cash withdrawals and no exchange fee. Perfect.

[Flakes]

about 50-100 pound in currency. Rest on my bankcard, normally works out best just to get the money out while your on holiday.