Which C/Card to take to the States

[Danda Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Danda]

Hi Guys,
we're off to the states in Sept and heard so many do's and donts my heads swimming !!! if its true you need to take a credit card and not a debit which is the best way to go bearing in mind we'll probably never use it again, if any one has any hints ,tips, advice it would be much appreciated,
thanks in advance,
Davy

[D4D Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close D4D]

I've had no issues with a Westpac Visa, you can also use it for cash withdrawls at Bank of America ATMs. You will get a better exchange rate with a credit card than you will with cash. I use cash as little as possible, pretty much just cabs, everything else goes on the card. This is from approx 20 trips to the states, I remember when the exchange rate was 0.50.

[kav Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close kav]

if you need to be in contact via phone . get a Travelsim sim card for your mobile . my missus is in the US and i can ring her mobile from a land line apparently for free . she can send text for 35c and all calls are cheaper while your over there . they cost $49 to buy plus what you load on to it and you need an unlocked phone .my mobile rate while international roaming is about $4.50 a minute so if you need to be in contact it will be worth it . google travelsim .

[rags Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close rags]

You can't go past the Thomo card issued by the HSU,

[Snaga Wishing I was lost Find all posts View Profile Close Snaga]

If your with the CBA talk to them about the Travel Money Card.
I used it without trouble last time I was there.

[QUICKY Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close QUICKY]

For a credit card we used a GE Money 28deg Master card.Thier exchange rate is like the rest but they don't charge a fee as well.For cash we use the Travellex cash card in US dollars and you can use it at any Visa ATM.For a phone we yook our phone with us and went to AT&T and bought a pre paid sim and we were up and running

[D4D Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close D4D]

For a phone we yook our phone with us and went to AT&T and bought a pre paid sim and we were up and running

x2 plus added pad text

[raw70 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close raw70]

Same as Quicky we use 28 degrees mastercard due to the fact you don't pay any overseas charges..

[BNEGXL Member Find all posts View Profile Close BNEGXL]

We use Westpac cards, Master Card and AMEX,

We load our cash into the Master Card so it's in credit and withdraw through the Bank of America ATM's,

Using a credit card with a positive balance is the cheapest way I've found, no charge to load up, cheap ATM charges and a great exchange rate.

Certainly cheaper than the various "Cash Cards" available and it has worked in America and Asia.

[Danda Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Danda]

Big thank you all for the info guys, your all appreciated..............
Davo

[gumboot Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close gumboot]

Thats a great idea as long as they dont charge you a lot for themachine withdrawl.
Cheers

We use Westpac cards, Master Card and AMEX,

We load our cash into the Master Card so it's in credit and withdraw through the Bank of America ATM's,

Using a credit card with a positive balance is the cheapest way I've found, no charge to load up, cheap ATM charges and a great exchange rate.

Certainly cheaper than the various "Cash Cards" available and it has worked in America and Asia.

[BNEGXL Member Find all posts View Profile Close BNEGXL]

Charge was quite small and was a fixed price not a % of your withdrawal, so make sure your withdrawals are a reasonable size,

and because it's your money (credit balance) no cash advance fees