Couple of questions on traveler's checks

[captainkidd]

Hi all. Had just a couple more questions on these things, as I've never used them before:

1.Can you cash them at your Disney Resort? Not actually use them to buy something, but cash them for the amount they are worth?

2.is there a limit on how much you can cash, daily or otherwise?

 

[Philo]

I'm pretty sure they can be exchanged at the front desk although hopefully someone more knoweldgeable than I can chime in here.

The only thing I will say is that I honestly can't see the point in Travellers Cheques anymore. I used to use them all the time (mostly because my Dad always used them when we went on family holidays) but now I just take about £400 in $'s and a couple of credit cards. We always split it up so I have one card + some cash and my wife has another card + some cash.

If you can use a safe whilst your there, then use it. It might be worth keeping a spare debit / credit card in the safe too just incase the worst happens.

Remember that Nationwide don't charge any commission on transactions.

 

[captainkidd]

I'm not so much worried about losing cash or debit card, but I am worried about having them stolen. Never had it happen before, but going for as long as we are (2 weeks), we'll be travelling with more than we normally do. I'd just feel better knowing that if anything was stoeln, it could br replaced quickly.

 

[I_heart_Tigger]

I use some travelers cheques whenever I go to WDW. I have always been able to cash them at the front desk. I use them because I have had my wallet stolen before (not at Disney) and $300 cash was just gone. Also, there are no additional fees with travelers cheques as there are with my credit card and the exchange rates when using credit cards are often set by the hotel/resort and they charge more than the going exchange rate with some hidden fees involved. With travelers cheques they are already paid for so they can't charge extra fees when you cash them in.

I don't know if there is a limit you can cash, the most I've done is around $100 at a time.

Also they are just as simple as using a credit card, sign your name and you're done. I use a mix of cash, credit and cheques.

 

[kstella]

I'm not sure what the process for replacing traveller's checks is, but if you go that way, you have to keep track of them and the receipts in case they do get lost or stolen. It's also a pain to have to sign all of them once when you buy them and then again when you use them. You might want to check with your credit card company and see how long it would take to replace your card if something does happen before you go ahead and buy the checks.

 

[dreamfinder]

I'm not so much worried about losing cash or debit card, but I am worried about having them stolen. Never had it happen before, but going for as long as we are (2 weeks), we'll be travelling with more than we normally do. I'd just feel better knowing that if anything was stoeln, it could br replaced quickly.

Since it looks like you will be staying on property, just charge it all to your room. Carry a small amount of cash on you, but use resort charge for the rest. Then you can just settle that with the hotel, and not carry money all over the place.

 

[captainkidd]

Since it looks like you will be staying on property, just charge it all to your room. Carry a small amount of cash on you, but use resort charge for the rest. Then you can just settle that with the hotel, and not carry money all over the place.

I just read that you can set up an account at the front desk with your TC's and have that amount to spend on your Key to the World card.

If at all possible, I don't like to use my debit card as a credit card, since it's attached to my checking account. Then, every time I use it, I have to keep track of that transaction and how much it is. That's an extreme pain in the neck.

 

[dreamfinder]

I just read that you can set up an account at the front desk with your TC's and have that amount to spend on your Key to the World card.

If at all possible, I don't like to use my debit card as a credit card, since it's attached to my checking account. Then, every time I use it, I have to keep track of that transaction and how much it is. That's an extreme pain in the neck.

And that my friend, is the joy of the resort charge. (And one of the reasons why I think Disney offers it) They don't charge your credit card until the end of your stay, or when you hit a pre-defined limit. It's just like running a tab at a bar. You can make 200 charges during your stay, and Disney will give you an itemized bill, and then just charge your card once when you checkout. So long as you trust Disney's accuracy in their charge system, it's not a problem. Disney then saves all the little 35 cent per transaction charges, and only has to pay that once at the end.

 

[captainkidd]

Disney then saves all the little 35 cent per transaction charges, and only has to pay that once at the end.

So, I'd only get charged that $.35 transaction 1 time?

Seems like the best plan, but what about things like the popcorn and ice cream carts throughout the parks? Aren't some of those cash only?

 

[goofykt]

I worked at a bank for several years, and I think you might be better off getting a VISA or Mastercard "gift card" if you'd prefer not to carry cash. Banks usually charge hefty fees for Travelers Checks, and very few branches usually keep them in stock - you'll probably have to go to one of your bank's larger branches or the main office to get them.

Myself and a lot of the customers I dealt with at the bank also had problems making purchases with TC because a lot of people don't know what they are or look like, and get a little freaked out when you hand them one (especially in this day and age of counterfeit checks/money/everything). Although, we are talking about Disney here, so I doubt you'd run into this specific problem

My husband and I use Visa gift cards when we go to Disney to keep from overspending on souvenirs. I usually get a card for each of us with $300 on it...it's really nice because you get a balance every time you make a purchase. I have no idea where you bank, but I know Chase offers Visa gift cards for a fee of $3.50 and you can put up to $500 dollars on it. They will also replace the card if lost or stolen as long as you register the card online. Just an idea.

 

[captainkidd]

I worked at a bank for several years, and I think you might be better off getting a VISA or Mastercard "gift card" if you'd prefer not to carry cash. Banks usually charge hefty fees for Travelers Checks, and very few branches usually keep them in stock - you'll probably have to go to one of your bank's larger branches or the main office to get them.

Myself and a lot of the customers I dealt with at the bank also had problems making purchases with TC because a lot of people don't know what they are or look like, and get a little freaked out when you hand them one (especially in this day and age of counterfeit checks/money/everything). Although, we are talking about Disney here, so I doubt you'd run into this specific problem

My husband and I use Visa gift cards when we go to Disney to keep from overspending on souvenirs. I usually get a card for each of us with $300 on it...it's really nice because you get a balance every time you make a purchase. I have no idea where you bank, but I know Chase offers Visa gift cards for a fee of $3.50 and you can put up to $500 dollars on it. They will also replace the card if lost or stolen as long as you register the card online. Just an idea.

AAA has them in stock and members get them for free.

 

[I_heart_Tigger]

AAA has them in stock and members get them for free.

I get mine for free at my bank as well, and it's a little bitty small town one...I guess we're all trying to get out of town so they keep the travelers cheques well stocked :lol:

 

[elisatonks]

I've used travellers checks many times at disney, you can cash them at front desk and guest relations. (they also do currency exchange.)

If you are buying you can also do at merch locations and all table service and indoor quick service food outlets. I never tryed at outdoor food carts, but would not be suprised if you can use there as well, as they take cards. you just make the travellers check payable to WDW. Also most retailers and resterants outside disney take them. (i used them in WALMART many a time.) I never tryed to cash only at these locations but it may be possible.)

 

[kstella]

So, I'd only get charged that $.35 transaction 1 time?

Seems like the best plan, but what about things like the popcorn and ice cream carts throughout the parks? Aren't some of those cash only?

Many of the little popcorn and ice cream stands accept credit/debit/room key charges.

 

[elisatonks]

Many of the little popcorn and ice cream stands accept credit/debit/room key charges.

The only ones that don't nowadays take cards are the roaming vendors, the introduction of dining plan brought about the small registers for outdoor foods.