V-Flyer

I am having a trip to New York in April. Having not been there before I wondered whether people usually carry cash (as I did in Japan, but then found ATM's worked anyway), use their credit cards to withdraw cash or if a UK switch/maestro card would work. My Switch/Maestro worked in Vegas, but they will let you use most things to get cash out in the casinos [:)].

I always take some cash, ordered online at Travelex. I have a Nationwide current and credit card account for spending. I get cash out from my current account and spend on the credit card. Nationwide and the Post Office cards are about the only ones that do not charge commission to use them abroad.

I always use cash and Amex in the US, has always worked well for me.

Cheers

Mark [:D]

Well most places will take most any debit/credit/charge product baring the Visa/MasterCard/AmEx and to a lesser degree the Discover/JBL/Diner's Club brand/logo. Hell I have not seen anyone pay cash at Starbuck's in a LONG time. All of that said, 'Chip + PIN' is not too big in the USA or NYC.

Many places accept cards with PayPass (MasterCard) or ExpressPay (AmEx) where the user just wavies their card (in wallet) over the payment device to pay, similar to an Oyster card. But not all cards have this feature.

I would suggest this. See what networks your ATM card works on then go to the networks website and see where the ATMs or bank's ATMs the accept your cards are. Also note that American ATMs charge a handling fee for the use of the ATM. Your bank may have an agreement with a US bank so you would avoid this fee. Granted the fee is not much (US$2-$5.00) but that is a Tall drip to Venti Carmel Skim Half-Caf Latte at Starbuck's. Contact your local branch for details. I think HSBC has a program with Bank of America.

Originally posted by mas66
I always use cash and Amex in the US, has always worked well for me.

Cheers

Mark [:D]

Ditto [:)]

Some smaller shops do not take AmEx or have a higher required spend for AmEx versus other cards (yea it is against the T&Cs).

I also used my Nationwide debit card to withdraw cash and when needed on major purchases then I used my Nationwide credit card. All no commission charge and great bank exchange rates. I will take little cash but no longer use Bureau de Change for significant exchange as cash machines give better exchange rates.

Originally posted by locutus
I always take some cash, ordered online at Travelex. I have a Nationwide current and credit card account for spending. I get cash out from my current account and spend on the credit card. Nationwide and the Post Office cards are about the only ones that do not charge commission to use them abroad.