Cash or Traveler's Checks?

[sgmburt]

We are going to Alaska next month and I don't know if we need to take cash, Traveler's Checks or both? Any advice would be appreciated. :)

[Old As Dirt Mom]

Well, you're not going to a foreign country, just another U.S. state (I see you're from Texas). Take some cash, a credit card, and plan to use ATMs in port if needed:).

[Marmot@Sea]

We took both last September and had no problems with merchants accepting the traveller's cheques.

[franksandy]

Credit and Debit card...

[Kween Karen]

Credit and debit cards should work fine. I always take traveler's checks so that I don't have to worry about carrying cash. They are VERY easy to cash at the front desk......I just cash a few and then keep the rest in my room safe. You always need SOME cash.....those small shops that don't take credit (not many in Alaska), extra tipping, the casino, etc.

I like to use my credit card when possible.....you know....those valuable POINTS you get!! LOL

[Krazy Kruizers]

We take mostly traveler's checks. But we do carry cash for incidentals like tipping the porters, taxis.

 

Once on the ship we can always cash the travelers checks.

[want2retire]

We went to the bank two weeks ago, before our last cruise. Large chain bank, known all over the country. We were told they no longer issued travelers checks. How about that!?!

[cruzn single]

Cash and credit card. Hate to use my debit card, particularly when there is "hold" involved, such as for boarding cruise ship, renting a car, or staying in hotel.

 

Think that traveler's checks are going the way of the dodo bird!

[Gunther1]

Call me dumb, but why would one want to bring travelers checks on a visit to another state ? Wouldn't ATM's serve the purpose ?

[olefin32]

We carry very little cash, only for tipping baggage handlers.

We only use cash award credit cards that are paid off in full monthly. (been doing that since 1986) Been to Canada and Caribbean several times. Credit cards are never refused. Charges in Canada will show on the final bill the exchange rate for the day of purchase with no added fee.

[Kween Karen]

Several reasons. My ATM has a fee. I would have to spend some time looking for one. My travelers checks are free and I can cash them at the front desk.

[parrotfeathers]

I've never used an ATM in my life. Wouldn't even know where to start.

[Old As Dirt Mom]

To Sgmburt, the original poster of this question: It looks as if the general consensus is - take along whatever works best for you:) You wanted advice, and you surely got it! Bon Voyage!

[Sprocket]

I like to take some traveller's checks, I use them to pay down our bill on the last night. If I have real money lol, I just spend it in the casino on the Pacific Coastals.

[edgeman61]

Just my 0.02, I took an equal amount of cash and travelers cheques on our last cruise (yes they are difficult to find). I only used a credit card on things that I was shipping back to the lower 48 (we were in Alaska) and ship's charges.

 

If you lose a credit card (or it is stolen) you have to cancel it and it becomes unusable. Some cards will be suspended if they are used in a manner that is not in keeping with your normal spending patterns (you should inform your card issuer that you will be using it away from your home area).

Cash can also be lost or stolen. The travelers cheques can be replaced if lost or stolen.

 

My wife and I are going to take two (or three) different credit cards on our next cruise, each of us carrying a different one and a combination of cash and travelers cheques.

 

I don't use Debit cards, even at home, as I feel that there is too much risk (limited protection) if they fall into the wrong hands.

 

Hope for the best but prepare for the worst.

[relevart]

I didn't realize Travelers Checks still existed. I use debit cards for the ATM's and credit cards all over the world and have never had a problem. Once a credit card was stolen in Europe but I got another one within 24 hours. I do carry small US and local currency for tips and small purchases.

[robertmnch]

Call me dumb, but why would one want to bring travelers checks on a visit to another state ? Wouldn't ATM's serve the purpose ?

 

Living in earthquake country, I always have enough CASH on hand in case the ATM's go down! I can understand your rationale about Traveler's Checks, but CASH is KING in California!;)

[KAYEF]

We went to the bank two weeks ago, before our last cruise. Large chain bank, known all over the country. We were told they no longer issued travelers checks. How about that!?!

 

Banks seem to want us to think Tr. Checks aren't "done" any longer; they get money from ATM use!

AAA still does Tr. Checks..............no fee.;)

[JamesEM]

The bank we use (big in the East) no longer handles Travelers Cheques, they have switched to a selling a pre paid credit card.

[santaharry]

A lady asked me if they took American money in Alaska, I said yes and the current exchange rate is one for one.

On my second Alaska Cruise, northbound last stop Skagway, I was asked about the shopping at the Glacier Bay Factory outlet.

People ask some of the strangest questions and I now take cash or prepaid card on my cruises ashore. I keep a regular credit card on the ship if needed.

[mudscraper]

I agree with Middle-Aged-Mom. Take what works for you. But holy cow, Travelers Cheques are as ancient as a tux on a Carnival Cruise. When is the last time you saw an advertisement for TCs? When you get onboard and you need cash, see the purser. The fee is 3 percent. Might even be less expensive than the gas you use driving to the bank for the TCs. JMO of course but it works EZPZ for us.

 

 

Rich

[m steve]

traveler's checks are outmoded. They are a waste of money and only benefit the issuer since many don't get cashed for months or years to come and lots of places won't take them. Take cash and cards, keep most in the safe and only carry what you think you will need each day.

[Aruba]

But holy cow, Travelers Cheques are as ancient as a tux on a Carnival Cruise.

Rich

I like that -- I'm going to borrow that line and use it.

[Jemima]

There is no fee to cash travelers checks at the front office. We find them very convenient. We carry only enough cash for the first part of the cruise and cash travelers checks later in the cruise. We use the cash for tips and some small purchases. We use a debit or credit card for most in port purchases.

[RuthC]

I always carry Travelers' Cheques---don't leave home without 'em. They're handy for spare cash when it's needed, and they are safe.

If/when the day comes that I can't get them anymore, I will be a sad dinosaur indeed.