Advice re USA and travel money

[Snook]

I just take my Visa. As soon as I get there I get some cash out (always best to have a little bit of cash) but mainly just use my card.

[SnailyBoy]

I just take my Visa. As soon as I get there I get some cash out (always best to have a little bit of cash) but mainly just use my card.

 

Seems an expensive way of spending money, unless it's commission free.

[Harleyman]

My bank doesn't have any ATMs. (It's a federal bank, with headquarters in San Antonio, Tx and keeping the ATMs full in Alaska would be a bit of a problem.)

 

If I get charged to use an ATM (and most ATMs do charge) the bank refunds the charges.

 

@the OP: A couple of hundred dollars in cash plus a card (Debit or credit ... A UK Visa or Mastercard debit card will work as a credit card in the US) should do - and if you're buying items in a shop, you will may well be able to get 'cash back' without an ATM charge.

 

The exchange rate is better and if you only take a couple of hundred dollars you probably won't be stuck with a lot of money to exchange (and lose on) when you get back.

 

I've always been a travelers check and credit card person. I've never used an ATM in my life.

If going to the UK I'll change a few thousand dollars for travelers checks first and then change about three hundred dollars for pounds at my bank to tide me over for the first 2-3 days in UK. I charge hotel stays on my credit card

 

Once in the UK I go to any bank and exchange the travelers checks for whatever I estimate I'll need for two days ahead..

 

It might sound complicated and somewhat cumbersome and involves a few visits to banks but it works well enough for me.