Traveller's Cheques

I am heading to Manhattan for the first time in October. Is it easy and convenient to cash traveller%26#39;s cheques in Manhattan? Thanks.

Traveller's Cheques

Very easy as you can use them as cash in nearly every store/restaurant.

Traveller's Cheques

Do you get change from them then, if you offer a higher value cheque than what you need to pay?

Honestly travelers cheques are very last century.

Have a read

tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g60763-i5-k2051012鈥?/a>

With the generous avaiability of ATM%26#39;s (CashPoints) -it really makes no sense to use traveler%26#39;s checks.

Plus, with almost all retail outlets accepting credit cards - the use of TC%26#39;s has really become obsolete.

When I travel overseas, I almost exclusively use CC/ATM%26#39;s for payment. No need to change money or get TC%26#39;s - and as mentioned, TC%26#39;s are so %26#39;last century%26#39;.

Poppa

Problem is a lot of Credit Card companies charge you for foreign currency.

Yes the shops do yo provide you change so it is the same as handing over a $100 note.

I recommend getting a small amount in TC just in case your credit card stops working. A friend was visiting last week and she was relying solely on her credit card - it stopped working and she had no back up.

Some points about TCs

1) they are NOT the same as cash, so some places that say CASH ONLY mean just that, others will accept TCs, so it%26#39;s best to ask BEFORE spending money.

2) places that accept AMEX must take AMEX checks, same is true for MasterCard and Visa. But most places will just accept any of them

3) don%26#39;t make them out until you are sure you can use them

4) remember you are in the USA and we date things mm/dd/yy. Best bet, spell out the month because 1/2/08 is Jan 2 here not Feb 1, but 1 FEB is the same as FEB 1.

5) you might be asked for ID, this is normal at some places. Some places will ask eveyone, others not, but if asked, just give it.

6) Many banks will charge a service fee for non-customers, but if they sell that brand of checks you are their customer.

7) Hotels usually will cash them, but there are sometimes limits. This is mainly because they are not used much anymore so hotels, especially smaller ones, don%26#39;t keep a lot of cash on hand.

So, you might encounter some small problems, and most taxi cabs, some bars and some resturants (those that are cash only) will not take them, but in general, you will be fine.