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

[JaJodi]

I cashed one today at the cambio by Hi-Lo. I cashed three on, well, I think it was Tuesday. Same spot. Brought both my passport and driver's license the first time, just brought my driver's license the second, that was all that they needed. American Express ones from the local bank.

[yetta]

I cashed one today at the cambio by Hi-Lo. I cashed three on, well, I think it was Tuesday. Same spot. Brought both my passport and driver's license the first time, just brought my driver's license the second, that was all that they needed. American Express ones from the local bank.

Nice!! Breathing a likkle easier now...even though my past experiences have been all good. Thanks for posting JaJodi!! Negril bound on Tuesday and wanting all to go nice and easy!!

[smith744]

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!!!!

:-(

me too,
have had similar problems with the banks and cambios.

I've *learned* that it depends on the teller/cashier, and what kind of mood they're in that day. If they're in a bad mood they'll *decide* to have some *fun* jerking-the-tourist/foreigner around.

Nevetheless,
i use AmericanExpressTravelersExpress travelers checks EXCLUSIVE-ly..!!..
always have, and always still will (even with the past bad experiences).

What I've Learned To DO

option #1...Use the WesternUnion office as primary cashing place.

option #2...Go to HiLo OR ValueMaster [[[ they're the same-company ]]] ---- but FIRST stop by the customer service desk and tell 'em what you wanna/gonna do. They'll more than likely say "..OK.. NO problem... blah blah raa raa.."

make your purchase, and hand-over the traveler-check to the check-out cashier.... get change .... move on.

When I've used the HiLo/ValueMaster option, i usually will make it a small itty-bitty purchase, 'cause (for me) neither store has anything i want/need, for the most part ---- sometimes i'll get a pack of CravenA's or maybe some sweeties, a Ting and a spice bun.

Believe it or Not,
Once upon a time,
in Lucea,
the main China-man store cashed my traveler check with NO ID..!!..

he looked pon me,,,,, said:::>>> "..is this you/yours..??.."
me-SAY:::>> "..Sure.."

KaChing --- deal done..!!..

that was unusual for-sure ,,,, he knew me, 'cause i would come in everyday for 3-4 CravenA's and/or a $200 phone card.

this trip,
next-week
i'm going with travelers checks.

stay tuned

'bout week-end next, i'll try to remember to post what happened and how things go.

me personally ain't expecting any problems ----- NONE At-tall...!!..

[smith744]

one more traveler check story
bad start, with a happy ending.

i was in MoBay,
and wanted to cash a travelers check

they man behind the counter was in a *mood*
and said my signatures didn't match

grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

so,
when i got back to Lucea,
i went to my usual WesternUnion cashing place

chatted-up the lady behind the glass,
told her i KNEW she wasn't 'spose to cash the check with the two-signatures,
but could i please please see the manager to explain blah blah raaa raaa..

saw manager

she's seen me around town over the years,
seen me in her pharmacy regularly,
got some photos from me that i'd taken at an event, (several years ago)

she-SAY::>> "..NOT a problem.."

walked back to the WesternUnion place
waved me to the front of line

deal DONE..!!..

[[ end of story ]]]

[smith744]

I cashed one today at the cambio by Hi-Lo.

GOOD info der..!!..

thanks for the feed-back
MUCH appreciated

:-)

[jenb]

glad to hear people are still using them, this trip i'm bringing some TCs as back up in case of lost or compromised debit/credit card. i don't love the lineups at the bank but i'd rather have options.

[DConkle]

Treehouse used to cash them. Does anyone know if they still do?

[poolguywindsor]

Up until a couple trips ago, I also brought them. Not anymore they don't give as good of a rate, although I never had any problem cashing them.
Actually had more problem buying them at my bank they never can find them?

[JaJodi]

I got the same rate using TCs as cash at the cambio. We use them and also bring our ATM card. And cash. But, never enough for the whole trip so we have to get $ some way.

They were a B*tch to find, even the local American Express office does not have them. I ended up buying some at one of the Chase banks and not all of them carry them.

[Kathy]

Thanks to everyone for the great info!