Travellers Cheques ?

[PBarton]

Hi all,


This will be our 7th trip to WDW, and I would like to know Disney's policy regarding Travellers Cheques.

We have taken them in the past, but have always wondered why some shops etc ask for ID when presenting the cheques and others don't.

<O</O
I hate carrying passports or my photo driving licence with me all the time, Infact my soon to be wife lost her driving licence at WDW a few years ago for that very reason - Although we did receive it in the post about a week after we returned back to England.

<O</O
When we have ventured outside WDW, towards the International Drive area, we have found that photo Id with the cheques is almost compulsory (esp. at places like Denim World). It does state on the Cheques that if the customers signature matches (or even resembles) the original signature, that payment to the shop would be guaranteed. So what gives??

<O</O
I am unsure if I should take Cheques this time, we will probably be spending 95% of our time on-property.

<O</O
Anyone been refused a purchase at WDW after attempting to pay by Travellers Cheques without photo ID?

Any comments would be much appreciated! Thanks<O</O

 

[barnum42]

Never had a problem at WDW with Travellers cheques. However now I don't bring much cash/TCs, I use my Nationwide Visa debit card - the exchange rate is better than getting getting Dollars at at Beaurau De Change and you don't have the loss upon getting home and selling them back at a reduced rate. Plus, Nationwide do not put the exchange charge on top that other card companies do.

The cash I take is for the little things. All the shops and fast food places in Disney take Visa.

Personally I find it a lot less hassle.

 

[TimonRulz]

I bring TC's but just charge everything to my room key and then pay the balance off with them.

 

[stitch131313]

I bring TC's but just charge everything to my room key and then pay the balance off with them.

That's what alot of people do.
You can also cash the TCs before heading out to the parks at the front desk.
You can do up to $200 a day.

 

[CAPTAIN HOOK]

Staying offsite we use a combination of American Express travellers cheques, credit cards and cash. Never had any problem with TC either within WDW or at outside locations

 

[Victoria]

I live in the US so I don't have to worry about exchange rates in WDW but I travel a lot outside of the US. I think the general rule of thumb is that you will always get the best rate with a credit card or Debit card. What I would recommend is to bring some cash with you but have the resort connect your credit card to your room key and then you can just charge your way thru vacation. This way you wont have to worry about using and/or loosing your IDs.

 

[Chape19714]

I believe ID is nesaccary for TC's as well as Credit/Debit cards. Key to the World cards I don't think require ID.

 

[tink81]

Traveller's Cheques require ID becasue they are (or at least should be to be considered valid) pre-signed. When you are ready to use them, you have to fill in the "pay to the order of" and sign again at the bottom which like regualr checks requires ID- this system is put in place to try to prevent fraud. You are supposed to sign the cheques the minute you receive them in the presence of the issuer (like AAA or your bank). Then, when you go to redeem them, the signatures will match (or not, hence the security of signing them beforehand). I would avoid the whole mess and use your creidt/debit card wherever possible and at ATMs to get cash out. Just my .02 hope this helps!

 

[dolbyman]

only had to show my id once with my visa ..

mall at millenia (?) the zara store .. (bought something for my sister :lookaroun)

 

[saltmom1]

As tink81 said , you are suppopsed to sign the checks as soon as you get them. I work in a bank and we tell customers the reason you have to sign them right away is that they are not guaranteed if not signed. If you walk out of where you buy them and don't sign them and you lose them, you can't get a replacement.
I did use TC when I went to WDW. You need a photo id to get into the parks anyway, so what's the big deal, or has that changed ?

 

[bgraham34]

I charge everything its either to my room or my credit card. That way I dont worry about losing anything. But that is just me.

 

[Coastercameron]

I don't get it. Why would you have to show ID to use traveller's cheques? Are you sure you were following the procedures? I work at a tourist establishment, if the cheque hasn't been signed 2 times when presented, and has been signed the first time, there is no need for identification. If the person accepting the cheque watches you fill out and countersign the cheque, and it matches, they are guarenteed payment.

While on the subject, are there any places in the parks or on property that wont take Traveller's Cheques?

 

[barnum42]

I don't get it. Why would you have to show ID to use traveller's cheques?

Some retailers feel that a signature is easy to forge and require additional ID. However I've never been asked for ID against a TC whilst in Disney.

 

[CAPTAIN HOOK]

I don't get it. Why would you have to show ID to use traveller's cheques? Are you sure you were following the procedures? I work at a tourist establishment, if the cheque hasn't been signed 2 times when presented, and has been signed the first time, there is no need for identification. If the person accepting the cheque watches you fill out and countersign the cheque, and it matches, they are guarenteed payment.

A Travellers Cheque is exactly the same as a bankers cheque and needs ID or a bankers card. The issuing bank / travel agent etc requires the first signature to be placed on each cheque when the purchaser receives them. When presenting a cheque in payment for goods / services identification should be requested by the recipient to prove that the person tending the cheque is the same person who bought the cheque (ie so it isn't stolen)