traveller cheques

[tone]

Just been to M & S to sort some travellers cheques out only to be told by the helpful assistant that they can be hard to cash in & that everyone uses credit cards and take money out of the cashpoint.......I know I`m old skool but is this true or just a sales patter......Am coming out soon to Carvoeiro so any advice on cashpoints/travellers cheques etc would be gratefully appreciated..........

An old skool Tone

[fmm]

Several cash points available in convenient places - with the advantage that you can get cash out any time of day or night. I assume that you would need to go into the bank to change travellers cheques - and have to walk around with your passport. Can't see the point to be honest. You may just as well get out all the cash you need before you leave and shove it in the safe (or somewhere secure) and take out what you want when you want it.

[Farol]

Haven't used travellers cheques in decades.

You can use credit & debit cards just the same as if you were in the UK (excepting getting cashback). Exchange rate is generally good.

You can draw Euros from an ATM but you should only use a debit card to do this. If you use a credit card you will be charged interest from day 1.

[BeckyT]

Another alternative is a Post Office travelcard. You top up with Euros before you travel and then use the card like a debit card. We have just used this method and found it easier and widely acceptable in supermarkets and most restaurants.

Becky

[Lamby]

I am also "old school" but have moved with the times. I have been told by someone in the business that travellers cheques will soon become history. I use a Travelex Card. Brilliant. I just top up with euros during the year when home. Either when I have a bit of extra cash or if the exchange rate looks good. Then, when I travel it is not a shock trying to find spending money. I already have 450 euros on my Travelex account ready for next June. I then just draw cash at the ATM's in Portugal with NO charge. I think anywhere that changes money can get you a Travelex card while you wait, you need some I.D.

[tone]

just wanted to say thank you very much to you all for all your responses.....certainly brought this old skooler into the 21st century