Advice on travel money what should i take??

Question

good advice wanted please... i am traveling to spain and would like to know your opinions on which is the best to take, traveler's cheques ( i know this is best for security), or credit card?? i want to get the most out of my money, so in your opinion what do you think?

Answer 1

I take both a credit card and a debit card.  The credit card for purchases (which allows me protection plus rewards points), and a debit card for getting cash from the ATM.  

Note that if you use your credit card at the ATM, it's treated as a cash advance with the commensurate ridiculous interest fee, usually about 20%.  

I stopped using traveler's checks about ten years ago.  They're really kind of a hassle.  

Answer 2

You will get the best exchange rate by using credit cards when possible and an ATM card for when you need cash.  Credit cards allow you to travel without having to carry large amounts of cash, so they're safer. Plus, a credit card is much more convenient for checking into hotels and renting cars.

ATMs are far more convenient than travelers checks because you can get cash anytime, even when the banks are closed. (Stores and hotels also cash travelers checks, but you'll get a poor rate.)  Visa and MasterCard ATM cards are widely accepted.

Be sure to call your bank (the ones that issued your credit cards and debit cards) and tell them that you are traveling. Their security procedures may consider foreign transactions to be suspicious and they'll think that your cards were stolen. You'll have no difficulty as long as you tell them before you leave.

I stopped carrying travelers checks years ago. ATMs are much more convenient.

Answer 3

the safest method is a DEBIT card linked to your savings account, debit cards can be used at any teller machine in the world with the CIRRUS label on it. you just top it up from your savings accout as necessary on internet banking then if your card is lost or stolen the  thieves cant access you savings account, talk to your bank. you may also want to take a credit card as an extra avenue to access funds if needed

Answer 4

A credit card by far is the safest. Plus a card takes care of exchange rate automatically for you. It also gives you a receipt of your purchase. Just as long as you keep your wits about you, I would take only a small amount of cash and use a credit card for the rest.