smiley525

I'm going to be forwarding this to my mother. We will be travleling in Italy in two weeks. My mom wants to bring and rely on Travellers checks (her bank even recommended this). I have only ever relied on my ATM cards when travelling to Europe. Please give her your thoughts.

(P.S. I know these types of questions have been posted in the past, but I want to have the responses all in one place)

Thanks!!

suze

TC's are the most expensive (fees) and least convenient way to get funds in Europe. If you do choose to bring travelers checks, because you feel they are more secure, plan to go to a bank during business hours to cash them. It is near impossible to spend them directly in a store or restaurant.

ATM cards are a better value. You will withdraw local currency at a fair rate of exchange and incur only the international transaction charge imposed by your home bank (typically $0-3USD).

I carry some U.S. cash ($100-200) that I could exchange in an emergency.

I also take 1-2 charge cards but only use these for major expense like a hotel bill (that is my preference, you could certainly use them for meals and shopping and some kinds of transportation too).

Lorac1127

Years ago, we would never travel without traveler's checks. However, through the advice of experienced travelers, we were told that they were unnecessary...and they really were unnecessary.

On our last two trips to Italy, we brought about 50 Euros, three credit cards and our ATM card. There were Bancomats everywhere around larger cities and usually one or two in the tiny towns. So when you need cash, you can get it easily.

Also, it is best to call your bank and credit card companies to tell them the dates of your travel so that they will not deny the cards because of unusual purchasing patterns or a foreign locale.

Hope this helps.

smiley525

Thanks, I don't understand why the International representative at her bank insisted TC were the way to go? My mom trusts her advice more than mine. The bank rep also said she could exchange them at the airport (yea if she wants to pay a terrible rate!)

WillTravel

When was the international representative last in Europe? Does the rep have to pay commissions herself, or does she get preferential treatment as a bank employee?

flanneruk

Why did the bank's "international representative" (and how precisely does she differ from any other bank clerk?) recommend something so spectacularly against your mother's interest?

Because the bank makes more money that way!

If the 15 year-old Saturday girl at our village post office suggested anything as stupid, she'd get fired. But doubtless ethics are different in big banks.

Infotrack

not

1tiredmama

I rely on ATM's and Amex card, but I always end up bringing at least a few hundred dollars in cash and/or travellers checks. I usually end up going home with most of it. I like to travel off the beaten path sometimes, and that means I may have a hard time finding an ATM. I like to be prepared. At least TC's can be replaced if lost or stolen.

Keith

I will be nice and guess that the International Representative doesn't know her job.

The alternative is that she is preying on the banks older cusotmers. (Assuming that you Mom is my age or older)

Keith

platzman

The banker who advised someone to bring traveler's checks as a primary funds source was probably just quoting the propaganda from the company that supplies the checks. This person probably has no experience whatsoever in overseas travel and has no other info to rely upon.
I don't use traveler's checks as a primary OR secondary source.
Instead, we carry an extra debit and credit card from different banks (with PINs). Remember that these cards with VISA and M/C logos can also be used INSIDE banks and at exchange bureaus should the ATMs fail you. I must say that this is rare. Although ATMs have been non-functioning or have given me messages such as "not valid for international transactions". Usually, we try another card or another machine and ALWAYS get money. This has been the case for us since 1996. I'm fairly certain that I haven't been inside a bank in Europe since 1997 or '98.

suze

Why a bank rep would say this... that is a very good question. Because they are behind the times? They don't travel internationally themselves? They were looking for a way to agree with what your Mother wanted to do anyway? (Hopefully not petty enough to want to make the small profit they could from selling TC's to her.)

I certainly can't say, but along those lines some of the most spectacularly misguided travel itineraries and advice I've ever heard was given to inexperienced travelers by travel agents. Go figure.

radiofanatic

my parents did the same thing 2years ago despite my objections - and they refuse to carry an atm. Needless to say, they were jealous of my easiness in getting money from the ATM as the checks were a hassle and they just brought a lot home.

P_M

I think Suze is right on target in saying the bank rep doesn't travel internationally so he/she doesn't know any better. Also the TC companies, such as AmEx, have done a very good job of marketing and convincing people that TC's are just as good as cash. Of course, we Fodorites know that's not true.

For me personally, yes, I do still take a few hundred US$ in TC's, but my bank charges no fees for that. I only take these as a back-up in case my ATM card gets lost or if some wierd thing happens where I can't use it, but I always bring home those same TC's. I have thought about not bringing them anymore, but the one time I don't take them will be the time I need them. It's Murphy's Law.

platzman

Suze, I did a search recently of travel websites and the advice they provide to novice overseas travelers. Not a majority of them, but a SIZABLE minority of them STILL present the idea of traveler's checks right up there with ATMs and credit cards. They seem to imply that all 3 options are of equal validity or worth.
There is a tremendous amount of misinformation out there. Unless you know better, it can make your head spin.

Patrick

Message: my parents did the same thing 2years ago despite my objections - and they refuse to carry an atm.

One could hardly blame them. Those ATM's are damned heavy. Once you rip them out of the wall of the bank, I bet they still weigh a couple hundred pounds.

P_M

And you need an adapter to plug them in once you get to Europe.

radiofanatic

I love this website - you guys always give me a good giggle along with good info - atm CARD - needless to say, I didn't pack anything else b/c of the airlines weight requirements!

suze

My parents just returned from 12 days in Budapest, Vienna, Salzburg & got their 1st ATM card in honor of this trip... I was SO proud of them!! Not to mention how cute they looked when they demo'd their neckpouch (Mom) and moneybelt (Dad) before the trip.

suze

platzman- very interesting and not surprising.

IMO the bottom line to this debate is there is nothing inherently "wrong" with taking Travelers Checks. They just cost a little more and are a slightly less convenient method.

I have bought TC's fairly recently myself when a lodging situation required cash payment. Or on a longer duration trip where I felt they were a safety measure to tuck them in my suitcase.

Also, anyone else who travels solo will understand... I want to have all bases covered, since I don't have a Dear Husband beside me carrying another set of cards and cash.

ira

Hi smiley,

My advice to your Mom is to bring:
an ATM card - NOT a debit card
a credit card (or two)
some TC's in USD for emergency backup

Charge everything chargeable,
Use ATM for cash
Deposit the TC's upon returning home.