Madeline

Would anyone know if Thomas Cooke travelers checks are accepted as easily as American Express checks? <BR>

Christina

I think it depends where you're going, you'd best say. In the major Eur. capitals I've been in, they are both fine. Except in Vienna, I believe there were Am Express offices but not Thomas Cook. In other cities, this wouldn't matter as you can exchange your checks elsewhere, but in Vienna there is something strange about the money market so fees to cash TCs are very high/bad rates and the best rates and no fees are only at Am Express offices. I haven't seen that anywhere else in Europe. For example, I just got back from Prague and both were common there and both would exchange other companies' checks and both had very good rates. I have read, but can't verify, that American Express are a safer bet. I always take some TCs and find them convenient myself, unlike others who claim you shouldn't even get them (I get them free so there'd be no reason not to take some), but would never consider using them to pay directly. I always exchange them to local cash, so if that's what you are talking about (trying to pay directly with them), you need someone else's opinion. I wouldn't recommend doing that, though.

Ishoo

If you are going to Rome take Am Ex. There is an office at Spagna no charge for converting and the rate of exchange is good.

Wei Huang

There is an American Express office on Kratnerstrasse, the tourist/shopping area of Vienna and is near Stephandom. The office does not charge you a service charge for exchanging US dollars to Austrian Schillings if you present them with an American Express Travelers Cheque.

sandi

According to a Tho. Cooke employee, they have office all over the owrld and are widely accepted. I used them throughout Italy with no problem.