Travel cards vs. travelers checks

[Sharon L]

I was thinking of getting a Visa TravelMoney card (or American Express) for our upcoming trip instead of using travelers checks. I was wondering if anyone had any experience with these cards, and whether they are easier to use.

Thanks for your help!

 

[pinkrose]

I've always used traveler's checks, but we are going for a "short trip" next week, and I think I'm just gonna use my credit card. If I put it on my room key, does that charge directly on my card with each purchase or does it all charge as part of your room bill when you check out?

It's my understanding that if you use your room key, you have the option of paying it before or at check-out or just letting it charge to your card (by not paying before leaving). If I'm wrong on this, please correct me someone.

 

[lawyergirl77]

It's my understanding that if you use your room key, you have the option of paying it before or at check-out or just letting it charge to your card (by not paying before leaving). If I'm wrong on this, please correct me someone.

You're absolutely right! If you have express checkout for your room (basically, if you've put a credit card down for charging privileges), then you can just walk away the morning of your checkout with no problems. I find it to be one of the most convienient aspects of the Resorts... And for Canadians/other people who have to deal in foreign currency, it's actually kind of nice to have the charge in one big lump sum at the end of the trip - avoids thousands of little transactions at varying exchange rates on your card!

Oh, and someone further upthread suggested the WDW gift card as an alternative for budgeting and it's a good idea! I bought one on my first day of my last trip, charged it to my room and then used it for all of my purchases to keep me on budget. IIRC, your giftcard receipt tells you how much is left on the card... A great way to help me stay on budget!

 

[bgraham34]

I dont use them when traveling in the US. I just use my Amex card on everything.

 

[shoppingnut]

It is your decision who does or does not have charging privileges. When the room cards are issued, just tell the CM which cards you want to have the charge ability. It's your call.

Also, if someone else wanted to put their credit card on their room key they could. You are not limited to one credit card per room. Also, each category of hotel has a different amount that they will pre-approve you for on your credit card, for example Moderates do $1500. In the past, I have put my credit card on the room and just asked for a $100 limit, this way in case there are any incidental phone or internet charges I don't have to worry and will have express check out. You don't have to go with the amount the hotel suggests.

 

[SusanAnne]

We too have in the past use the room key to charge our purchases. It's a great thing to have, you just have to be so careful, because it is so easy to put it on the room key, than to use cash, then on the day of checking out, you may be presented with a hugh bill, talking from experience, now I just use travelers checks.

 

[tink rules]

Travelers checks....

I think it's better to use them because I have a better way of telling how much I have to spend and don't run short later in my stay. I also budget a certain amount per day and then if I have left over, then I have a bonus for another day!!!

 

[happytrees]

All my shopping expenses are going on a travelers cheque card. I don't want to carry the cash or the booklets of cheques.

 

[Pioneer Hall]

I have explored both options and decided that I prefer the paper checks for a few reasons.

1) I like knowing exactly how much I have on my at any given time. I don't really want to have to call a number to get my card balance.

2) You will rarely carry all of your travelers checks with you at one time. So if you lose one or a few then you can get them replaced but still have some of your money. If you lose the card you lost everything until it gets replaced.

3) You can break travelers checks to get cash. Personally I like having cash available at any given time along with my checks. I will buy something for 5 dollars and pay for it with a 50 dollar check so I can get the change.