Best place to buy dollars for use in USA?

[Halb]

Best place to buy dollars for use in USA?

[davepoth]

Cashpoints in the US city of your choice using a debit or credit card. Yes there's a charge, but it's not a lot in the grand scheme of things. I much prefer only having my normal amount of cash on me, carrying $1000 or more at a time makes me edgy.

[Matt..]

Take as little cash as you can get away with. Everywhere takes card anyway. I am here at the moment and took $300 (4 weeks) and have to make myself remember I have it and need to use it. Cards are much more convenient!

[bad company]

Greetings from LA. I like to have some cash for lunches & drinks etc.

The best rates were at the Post Office or Marks & Sparks when I bought.

[Brother D]

FX cards are the best value for money.

I used CantonFX.com in the past.

[Matt..]

Brother D said:

FX cards are the best value for money.

I used CantonFX.com in the past.

Really? Aren't the rates worse than standard Visa/MasterCard rates?

I still say take very limited cash (get it from somewhere like M&S) and use your credit card for he vast majority of transactions. Get a zero % card if you want the cheapest.

[fizz47]

If you have to take cash and want to take it from the UK then I find using this comparison pretty good to get the best deal - If you can pick up from London you can get the best rate..

http://travelmoney.moneysavingexpert.com/


IIRC Halifax do a very good Travel card but when I applied for it they said no even though I have a perfect credit history and no large outstanding debts.

If you are using just a general credit card then it is preferaable to use Amex as they have a lower transaction percentage fee than VISA. Amex was accepted everywhere I went in the US so not limted like it can be here in the UK

[edc]

Tesco do decent fx rates. Order online pick up with the milk.

[jogon]

The dodgy looking exchanges up and down Oxford St in London they like a good haggle.

[steveo3002]

http://travelmoney.moneysavingexpert.com/

tells you who does the best rate that day..note you mostly have to prebook to get the best rate

[Halb]

Thanks for al the advice chaps.

Matt.. said:

Take as little cash as you can get away with. Everywhere takes card anyway. I am here at the moment and took $300 (4 weeks) and have to make myself remember I have it and need to use it. Cards are much more convenient!

Ahh, 2 weeks, 100 dollars maybe?

[barryrs]

I take as little cash as possible as well.

Took out a Post Office credit card that has zero fees for using abroad and paid off the balance on my return; saved me around £50 compared to my last 2 week visit to the US.