Travelers checks

I know that there are varying opinions on the best way to plan for cash needs. I have for many years used travelers checks and it is still my preferred method of carrying money to Jamaica. Can anyone on the board verify if FX trader at the Hi-Lo plaza still accepts them? Some previous threads have caused me to doubt the wisdom of having travelers checks with me for fear that I can't get them changed.

All are invited to say why their method of planning for cash needs is best, but I hope someone can tell me for sure about FX trader accepting TC's or not

I don't know if they still accept TCs, but I know that they are just about impossible for me to even find anymore. AAA no longer has them and neither does our bank. That being said, AAA offers a travel debit card and we have found that actually easier to use.

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Originally Posted by Jenn

I don't know if they still accept TCs, but I know that they are just about impossible for me to even find anymore. AAA no longer has them and neither does our bank. That being said, AAA offers a travel debit card and we have found that actually easier to use.

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I too was unable to find any TC in four banks and AAA office that I visited.

If it is the same debit card that AAA offered me, the fees were kinda high imo. $3 per transaction plus 3% of the transaction as fees.

~Moose

I'd been very successful over last few years in Negril just getting JA money out of ATM. I always lock up an emergency stash of US cash in case ATM doesn't work, but never needed that yet.

Moose,
Is there a different option you found? The fees are a tinge high...but I just chalk it up to vacation money. We work crazy hard all year to be able to go and not stress too much about the cash. My own bank charges fees too...so, it was simply a matter of choosing the lesser of two evils.

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Originally Posted by negrilal

All are invited to say why their method of planning for cash needs is best, but I hope someone can tell me for sure about FX trader accepting TC's or not

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The FX Trader website has a customer service phone number, which might be worth a call... ?

FX Trader Customer Care Numbers:
Jamaica 1-888-FX Trader (Mon-Sat)

They are also showing an email message form on their "Contact Us" link. Personally have never used either method of contact. Best of luck. - k

I have tried calling to no avail and tried two email inquiries.

I can try calling tomorrow for you...they are closed on Sundays.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jenn

Moose,
Is there a different option you found? The fees are a tinge high...but I just chalk it up to vacation money. We work crazy hard all year to be able to go and not stress too much about the cash. My own bank charges fees too...so, it was simply a matter of choosing the lesser of two evils.

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I just ended up bringing a wad of cash and locked it up in the room, only kept $75 max with me, combination of USD and Jamaican currency.

~Moose

Quote:

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Originally Posted by CosmicMoose

I just ended up bringing a wad of cash and locked it up in the room, only kept $75 max with me, combination of USD and Jamaican currency.

~Moose

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In all of our trips, we have found that TCs were nice, but the card works just as well.

i finally heard back….they DO NOT CHANGE TRAVELERS CHECKS ANY LONGER
Good Day ,


Unfortunately we have discontinued the service of cashing of travelers cheques, we do apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Regards,


-----Original Message-----
From: negrilal
Sent: Sunday, January 10, 2016 12:27 PM
To: ContactGKMS
Subject: travelers check acceptance

Hi-

I am a frequent customer of your fx trader store in Negril. In the past I have been able to cash AMEX travelers checks for Jamaica currency. I would like to verify that they are still accepted I will be there in 2 weeks.

Thank you for replying or forwarding this letter to the appropriate person for response.

That's about what I expected. A few years back when I inquired with my bank about travelers checks they really discouraged them. Pulling cash from the ATM works great apart from all the fees. If you have a couple accounts compare the foreign ATM fees and load up the best account.