Cash, Traveler's checks, debit card?

[Al Drake]

I can get $JA from my bank... I asked about it before our last trip and found that their rates were worse than at MBJ. I bring a debit card and take $JA as needed (usually from the Times Square ATM), and find that since my bank refunds ATM fees I get a better exchange rate than at the cambios.

I also bring a credit card that stays in the safe for emergencies... thankfully we've never needed it.

My bank also refunds ATM fees. The last time I used Traveler's Checks there was no fee from my bank. I still like the idea of a refund if lost or stolen unlike cash. I'm just not sure how long that process takes. I have never had a credit card in my life and still have a portion of my first paycheck stashed at my mom's house. That was well over 50 years ago. I also have a time capsule buried in her back yard with cash and other things from that era. Gee, I wonder how much that coin collection is worth.