Im going to Florida in October(whooppee) with my husband and three kids.Advice needed on money please?

Question

Would you advise taking currency, travellers cheques or using visa card? How much would you take if mixing all three. Im buying attraction tickets before we go, so money will be for food and shopping.

Answer 1

About $1,000 (five hundred pounds) a week is the least I would take ideally I would double it for a family of your size, the Travellers' Cheques are the best idea (buy dollar ones here before you go as our exchange rate seems slightly better) as your credit card company will try and rip you off if you use it abroad especially if you use it to withdraw cash.

Answer 2

Money is a good thing. Cash will be useful for small purchases during the trip over the big pond. Also for small purchases when you first get to FLA. Traveler's CHecks are the best idea here. They are widely accepted, can be replaced easily if lost, and are worthless if stolen. Get the travelers checks from a worldwide company like American Express. That way it is easier to get them replaced if you need them. Finally, definately bring a credit card (or 2). The are good for deposits on rental cars, hotel rooms, etc., even if you plan on paying them by travelers check before you leave. Why have your travelers checks sitting around being held as a deposit. Also it is good to have the card/s in emergencies and on the chance you did not predict your spending well.

Remember when planning your budget, Food at the tourist areas is about three times the cost of food from a chin restaurant. Don't be suprised by an $8 Hamburger for the kids at Disney or Universal Studios. Otherwise average meals cost $10-$20 per person maybe 4-6 dollars for choices on the children under 12 y/o list. An above average restaurant will cost you over $60 per person without drinks.

Have a great trip!

Answer 3

I went ten years ago for a week. I was travelling with work so had no expenses to shell out for. I managed to get through £350 in a week, ten years ago without having to buy food etc. It's amazing how many opportunities there are to spend your money there, especially with three children. I'd take a small amount of cash, dollar travellers cheques and your visa as back up if I were you. Have a great time.

Answer 4

I'd take some dollars (no more then 200) for immediate costs once you are there, for rest I'd use a creditcard, also to withdrawl money there, even if they charge you for it, its so much safer then having traveller cheques (which is basicly money anyway) or money on you.
Although you wanted financial advice, might I add to really really stay on highways and in city centres and do NOT go into unknown areas/suburbs !!! Dont just pull off a highway and drive thru some run down area, its really dangerous in Florida. You dont hear much about it anymore, but up to some years ago, quite some tourists got mugged, even shot, in suburbs when they had pulled of a main road. Not meaning to frighten you, but you got kids with you as well.
On a more positive note: Both my sister and mother have been there and had a great time.

Answer 5

I think that most banks will charge when you use your credit card. Check with the ban about that but it is still useful if you run out of cash. Bring a mix of travellers cheques and cash. Try looking at american supermarkets on the internet (or restauarants with menus) that will give you an idea of what you will spend.

Answer 6

I would wait nearer the time as dollars seems still going down hill at this time. I used post office for buying my foreign currency but you can shop around off course what is the best rate. Credit card is the least prefered as they charge interest and the exchange rate is not good either.

Answer 7

I would take about athird of what you budget to spend in cash and a third in travelers checks and put everything else on the credit card.

Answer 8

Best deal is with Nationwide Flexaccount. They don't charge commission on ATM withdrawals.