Hawaii -- Traveler's Cheques or ATM?
 

Hello,<BR>I am going to Hawaii for 2 weeks. Is it worth it to get traveler's cheques? Or are there accesible ATMs without exorbitant fees?<BR><BR>Thanks.

ATM's are everywhere, just like on the mainland. I haven't used travelers checks in years in Hawaii or anywhere else.<BR>The only potential problem is if you lose your ATM card. It may be difficult to replace it quickly if your bank does not have representation on whatever island you happen to be on. This is no problem if two people in your party have ATM cards.

How exhorbitant is exhorbitant? I have seen ATM fees in Waikiki ranging from $1 to $10. The latter was rare and outrageous, but it does exist. Your bank doesn't provide traveler's checks without a fee?

Since none of the major banks (Citibank, BankAmerica, Well Fargo, etc) have a presence here, be prepared to pay an ATM fee for each transaction. Fees are lowest at bank-owned ATMs, such as those owned by American Savings Bank, Bank of Hawaii (found in all 7-11s) and First Hawaiian Bank. Of course you'll also have to additionally pay your own bank's "foreign atm" fee. Definitely avoid privately-owned ATMs, such as those found in strip clubs (don't ask me how I know that).

We didn't see a single Bank of America ATN anywhere (and we have a joke about B of A because they seem to be everywhere here in Phoenix). We took traveler's checks and went to an ATM only one. The fee was $2.00 to use it and $1.50 from our bank.<BR><BR>Also, if you're on islands other than Oahu, good luck finding a mainland bank!<BR><BR>Traveler's Checks (and even your check card) are the best option.