can anyone tell me whether there is a fee for cashing a US travellers at a bank and what is usual rate. I am aware that they probably charge at a currency exchange. I am taking them as a back up in case I can't find atm. In canada and us the banks don't charge and neither do merchants but I am sure most countries do. thanks

Maybe things have improved, but in 2001 I had trouble finding a bank willing to cash them. Usually the one and only person who was able to handle the transaction was out.

i also would not rely on them....you probably could cash them in your hotel, but expect problems elsewhere....use ATM's...

in the usa i find now that they are hard to negiotiate as well

Generally, travellers cheques are a pain. First you have to find someone who will change them, usually, you need to have your passport with you and there is normally a fee.
I don't use them anymore.

Bob...As far as cashing them in the U.S. I haven't had any problems at all. I just cashed a $100. one at Trader Joe's last week to buy groceries with and had no problem. It was a leftover one from my recent Bangkok trip. I still travel with traveler's checks,too. Now, as for India, I don't know since I haven't been there. Happy Travels!

guen...go into a bank and try to cash one if you are not a customer....

i think TJ probably thought you were a robber and thus just wanted to get rid of you....

And what was really weird in India was that I wound up buying some rupee TCs (long story), but then the ONLY place I could cash them was a Bank of India branch, not just any bank - and heaven forbid at a hotel. And once I tracked down a Bank of India it could still take a good half hour and a bunch of signatures plus my passport to get them cashed. ATMs are the best thing since digital cameras!

I usually cash them at the hotel front desk and never had any problems. In fact from memory the TC rate is often better than the cash rate.