How do I take my money to USA?

[twinsetandpearls]

Do you take travellers cheques, use bank machines, travellers cheques or the cards from the post office?

Used to take $ travellers cheques (which you can spend like cash in lots of places over there) but now take some $ cash and use credit cards or ATM cards.

We have taken debit and credit cards along with some US dollars for use on arrival. American Express now do a card which you can top up with funds as and when necessary.

The US banking system is actually quite primitive compared to the UK's so this needs to be borne in mind as well.

If you use your credit card when making purchases overseas it is adviseable to tell the card issuer in advance of your going on holiday. This will save you lots of hassle re the credit card company. When using your credit card as well some stores ask for photo id as extra security (chip and pin is not widely used in the US). If you have a photocard style driving licence carry that around with you.

It is just we have a friend who is always in the States and keeps saying to us have you bought your dollars yet as the excange rate is so good. But i don;t want to be taking thousands of dollars around with me.

We have an american express card so will look into that.

Travellers cheques - can cash them in the banks. Safe and easy peasy. Lucky you off to the USA

It's worth having some dollars ahead of time - maybe $100. Then you can just use your debit card in the ATM machines, and use CCs for most purchases.