Recent experiences with traveler's cheques? ... (paging Ras Walleye)

[Kathy]

I was told by the manager of the resort we'll be staying at for our upcoming trip that traveler's cheques are no longer being honored due to some new IMF (?) regulation.

Yes, this has come up in the past, and I did search and find info from early 2013, but I'm wondering if there is new information. Perhaps this relates to a property or service operator not being able to accept them for payment any longer? Maybe I can still go to the cambio or bank with my ID, and do a face to face cash out of a TC? Have always had good experience at the Fx Trader by Hi-Lo.

I don't want to use a credit card, and would prefer not go the debit card/ATM route... If cash is king, so be it, but I still like the security of traveler's cheques...

Any information or clarification greatly appreciated! Thank you thank you! - k

[Boogzy]

Just to add to this have any of the recent visitors had trouble cashing TC's at the cambios

[Ras Walleye]

My Walleye sense was tingling, now I know why.
We used Amex travelers checks at the FX Trader cambio by the HiLo in August with no trouble.
Still get them free at AAA but I don't know for how much longer.

[Kathy]

My Walleye sense was tingling, now I know why.
We used Amex travelers checks at the FX Trader cambio by the HiLo in August with no trouble.
Still get them free at AAA but I don't know for how much longer.

Well, August 2013 is more recent than January 2013, so we'll probably give it a go. I also see that the American Express website shows NCB, and Scotiabank as exchange locations... hate going into the banks, but if push comes to shove...

Thanks for the response! - k

[chi-town]

I like using American Express travelers checks too. I get them free from my bank and used them last February. I did notice the cambio across from Burger King no longer took them and the banmark on the west end gave a poor exchange rate for travelers checks. That being said I changed them at the bank every few days and was surprised to get a higher rate than the cambio was giving for US. Just slightly higher but still pleasantly surprised. I plan on using them this February and cashing them at the bank. I just hope there still taking them.

[yetta]

Never had any problems in the past. Leaving Tues and have already purchased them. I don't think there will be a problem. They are safer than cash to me. If the Banmark is a little lower rate, that's no big deal. I'd much rather loose a buck or two on the exchange rate than loose the wad of cash one would have to bring. It'll all be good in the end. If it isn't...not too worry, I'll post something upon return!!

[Ras Walleye]

I have used the FX Trader by the HiLo for every trip but the first one going back to 1999. I have also used FX Traders in MoBay and Ochi. Never had a problem. I've stood in bank lines twice in Jamaica and hopefully never again.

[Lulu and Al]

Here's my 2 cents: don't get them! as most of you know , we stay at Bar-B-Barn, in April cambio outside De-bus, went to bank in town, more trouble, we got double sinage checks, as u know only one has to sign, the Lulu did not bring a passport, would not cash them! Bottom line, multi- cabs just to get cash, now cash or plastic!!!!

[x l ent]

Never had a problem at any location on the Island. Just carry my drivers license from home. Always use Cambio's.

[yetta]

Well, hopefully things will go like they did last Jan. We had no problems cashing them at Wise Choice or L&M on the cliffs, as well as Banmark. So, as cliff dwellers, I feel fairly confident that things will go well. Give me a few days and I'll let you know. Regarding Lulu and Al's comment, we used Drivers License since I don't really feel comfortable carrying my passport with me. Here's hoping that all will go as planned..