[pct-l] ATMs and Banks

[Sly]

I agree, unless you can get a *debit card *Visa, or Mastercard, you're 
better off with Traveler's Checks or cash.  With a debit card you can 
get cash back from some stores and Post Offices,  and they work like 
credit cards for restaurants and stores.


Sly

Paul wrote:
> Hi Rachel
>
> On Friday 11 April 2008, Rachel Sedman wrote:
>   
>> My husband and I are coming over from the UK this summer to hike and I have
>> a question regarding access to cash.
>>     
>
> The US dollar is pretty worthless at the moment, so for us Brits, it is a good 
> time to visit ;-)
>
>   
>> We'll have a Visa credit card and was planning on getting cash out at
>> re-supply points.
>> I'm thinking anywhere we stay for the night would take cards, but what
>> about shops/resort where we might just buy food, or post offices?
>>  Can anyone suggest how much of our expenditure might we be able to put on
>> credit card?
>>     
>
> Motels and most large stores take plastic, as do many restaurants. Petrol 
> stations are like most of the ones over here and like plastic..
>
>   
>> For cash, do most of the towns have ATMs? (sorry if that is a really stupid
>> question, but we have absolutely no idea what to expect!)
>> Or might it be better to carry Travellers Cheques and change them at banks?
>>     
>
> Getting cash from an ATM with a credit card will be expensive - Visa will 
> charge interest from the moment of withdrawal to the time of repayment. 
> Travellers cheques are accepted just about anywhere and can be treated the 
> same as cash, so you don't need to visit a bank to change them.
>
>   
>> Would be grateful if anyone would like to advise.
>>     
>
> As a (ir)regular visitor to the States, I've nearly always taken cash - The 
> exchange rate offered by the credit card companies is variable and you are at 
> the mercy of the rate of the hour.
>
> If you are worried about carrying large amounts of cash, split it between the 
> two of you and keep the bulk in concealed body belts.
>
>
> Regards, Paul.
>
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