We had always used travelers checks and the challenge last time we got them (May of this year) was finding anyone who even had them available to purchase. We were still able to exchange them at the cambio by Hi-Lo. Next trip (December), we have some leftover J, will bring a wad of cash (I have started saving ones and fives), and use the ATM. I don't think we'll go back to getting travelers checks. The charge for the ATM is about what it cost us to buy travelers checks.