Sterling or dollar travellers cheques?
Discussion
I always use a cash card { NOT a credit card} in a cash dispenser everywhere I go in the world. Just find a dispenser that has the same symbols, they are readily available in Japan. Much cheaper and easier to use than outdated travellers cheques. Just make sure you have enough money in your account to cover the withdrawals. Travellers cheques are very expensive, just look at the exchange rate they give you and the fees for cashing them in.
And if you've a Nationwide ATM debit card then you don't even pay cash advance charges. You also get a much better exchange rate than other card providers.
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jim hobbs said:
I always use a cash card { NOT a credit card} in a cash dispenser everywhere I go in the world. Just find a dispenser that has the same symbols, they are readily available in Japan. Much cheaper and easier to use than outdated travellers cheques. Just make sure you have enough money in your account to cover the withdrawals. Travellers cheques are very expensive, just look at the exchange rate they give you and the fees for cashing them in.
Seconded
richburley said:
jim hobbs said:
I always use a cash card { NOT a credit card} in a cash dispenser everywhere I go in the world. Just find a dispenser that has the same symbols, they are readily available in Japan. Much cheaper and easier to use than outdated travellers cheques. Just make sure you have enough money in your account to cover the withdrawals. Travellers cheques are very expensive, just look at the exchange rate they give you and the fees for cashing them in.
Seconded
Not so great if you're going somewhere a bit more remote though.
jim hobbs said:
I always use a cash card { NOT a credit card} in a cash dispenser everywhere I go in the world. Just find a dispenser that has the same symbols, they are readily available in Japan. Much cheaper and easier to use than outdated travellers cheques. Just make sure you have enough money in your account to cover the withdrawals. Travellers cheques are very expensive, just look at the exchange rate they give you and the fees for cashing them in.
By "cash card" do you mean a debit card? I've got a Connect Visa card, is that going to work over there?
The Londoner said:
jim hobbs said:
I always use a cash card { NOT a credit card} in a cash dispenser everywhere I go in the world. Just find a dispenser that has the same symbols, they are readily available in Japan. Much cheaper and easier to use than outdated travellers cheques. Just make sure you have enough money in your account to cover the withdrawals. Travellers cheques are very expensive, just look at the exchange rate they give you and the fees for cashing them in.
By "cash card" do you mean a debit card? I've got a Connect Visa card, is that going to work over there?
I think you call, what I call a cash card, an ATM debit card. VISA debit cards are accepted nearly everywhere in Asia at ATM's and Visa credit card at nearly all venues. Cash or credit card is the norm in Japan at venues. If you decide on travellers cheques when you buy them to go to Asia there is no use having them in Sterling. You will need US$. They might appear attractive to buy, only costing postage and as a mailer stated £105 buys you £100. Wait till to try to convert them to cash and compare the exchange rate, you will be robbed blind. The only advantage that I can find for Travellers cheques is that if you are unfortunate enough to be robbed and supposing that you still have the serial numbers available to you, you can get replacement travellers cheques whilst you are on holiday. Also travellers cheques will not be accepted at venues.
Just about every town, village, station and airport has ATM's. Always take out more than you need and top up regularly because your bank may charge you per transaction not per amount withdrawn.
Be careful at ATM machines though it is an easy place to be robbed. Even though the screens will initially be in Japanese DO not accept help from seemingly helpful locals.
Have a nice Spring holiday.
Just about every town, village, station and airport has ATM's. Always take out more than you need and top up regularly because your bank may charge you per transaction not per amount withdrawn.
Be careful at ATM machines though it is an easy place to be robbed. Even though the screens will initially be in Japanese DO not accept help from seemingly helpful locals.
Have a nice Spring holiday.
jim hobbs said:
I think you call, what I call a cash card, an ATM debit card. VISA debit cards are accepted nearly everywhere in Asia at ATM's and Visa credit card at nearly all venues. Cash or credit card is the norm in Japan at venues. If you decide on travellers cheques when you buy them to go to Asia there is no use having them in Sterling. You will need US$. They might appear attractive to buy, only costing postage and as a mailer stated £105 buys you £100. Wait till to try to convert them to cash and compare the exchange rate, you will be robbed blind. The only advantage that I can find for Travellers cheques is that if you are unfortunate enough to be robbed and supposing that you still have the serial numbers available to you, you can get replacement travellers cheques whilst you are on holiday. Also travellers cheques will not be accepted at venues.
Just about every town, village, station and airport has ATM's. Always take out more than you need and top up regularly because your bank may charge you per transaction not per amount withdrawn.
Just about every town, village, station and airport has ATM's. Always take out more than you need and top up regularly because your bank may charge you per transaction not per amount withdrawn.
You are dead right about the travellers cheques. I just keep a couple of hundred as a backup fund when I go abroad. I have only needed them on more remote Thai islands - and you do get stuffed on the conversion.
So I always use my Nationwide card which as I mentioned previously, has the benefit of no withdrawal charges.
I am currently staying in asia. Been in Singapore for 3months now, but also travelled around. From my experience credit cards are the best option, although as it was mentioned most cash machines charge per transaction so it’s wise to take out more. As far as traveller cheques are concerned, they are usually advised by travel agencies but are not very convenient. In Singapore pound sterling cheques are the best option thou. In Japan I would say take US dollar ones.
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