carrying $ in the US

Hi guys

THanks for all the useful info so far on this forum. Just to check - if we%26#39;re coming from Singapore and don%26#39;t want to carry so much cash, what is the best (and cheapest) option? Traveller%26#39;s cheques, credit cards or ATMs? Which banks are more accessible and are they hard to locate in LV or other cities such as LA and SF?

carrying $ in the US

I would go with travelers checks %26amp; credit card. You can charge almost anything you eat/drink, but if you want cash to gamble with, travelers checks are probably cheaper than the fees charged for ATM%26#39;s and credit card cash advances. You can cash them at the casinos I think.Plus some ATM%26#39;s and credit card companies have a limit how much cash per day you can withdraw, usually around $300.

carrying $ in the US

so u can cash travelers checks at the cashier at the casino? does this go for all casinos?

Yes, traveler%26#39;s checks will work anywhere.

But you pay for them. But you knew that.

Not really a bad way to go.

Not perfect, but there ya go.

Yeah, I think they are worth it.

ATM%26#39;s are a bigger ripoff than traveler%26#39;s checks.

Besides, if you lose your card or if it doesn%26#39;t work (or if it gets lost or stolen) , you%26#39;re screwed.

So. What.

Here.

Buy a couple of thousand dollars in T-Checks.

Use them as backups, in case you need them.

Better safe than sorry.

Yes, traveler%26#39;s checks will work anywhere.

But you pay for them. But you knew that.

Not really a bad way to go.

Not perfect, but there ya go.

Yeah, I think they are worth it.

ATM%26#39;s are a bigger ripoff than traveler%26#39;s checks.

Besides, if you lose your card or if it doesn%26#39;t work (or if it gets lost or stolen) , you%26#39;re screwed.

So. What.

Here.

Buy a couple of thousand dollars in T-Checks.

Use them as backups, in case you need them.

Better safe than sorry.

so, how much does a traveler%26#39;s check cost? So much per hundred or what?

You can sometimes get TC for free from your bank or AAA.

They are the best way to bring lots of money to Vegas without worry. They are accepted everywhere. You should use your credit cards for restaurant and show expenses. There are no banks on the strip and ATM machines can be expensive if you use them often.

Last time I checked it was 3%.

So 2 large ($2,000) would cost you $60 US.

5 large would be $150 US. etc.

I don%26#39;t like spending it either, but if I was coming from half the world away, it%26#39;s worth it.

Unca Mike, I only paid 1% through my credit union for traveler%26#39;s cheques...don%26#39;t know if that is the normal cost at all banks or just because it was a credit union. I am able to withdraw $500 every 24 hours through my CU and never paid over $4.00 at the ATM (once at Caesars %26amp; once at TI). My CU does not charge me for using the ATM. We always do a combination of cash, TC %26amp; plastic.

LVescape et al.

If you can get ';free'; or ';cheap'; (1%) traveler%26#39;s checks more power to you.

I was just suggesting that it%26#39;s better to have them than not.

It%26#39;s the equivalent of cheap insurance, in case something goes wrong.

And when you get ';home'; you can easily cash them in, anyway.

I dunno count. Credit cards charge you 3% plus an APR of about 22% if you don%26#39;t pay them back within about 3 weeks.

ATM%26#39;s are even worse.

Cash advance machines at the casinos might as well wear a mask and point a gun at your head.

The other option (if you have good credit) is to take out a ';line of credit'; at the casino you are going to.

Hi count123 -

If you are going to carry traveller%26#39;s checks, American Express are the most widely accepted. It is often difficult to find places that accept Thos Cook or others in America.

The charge for TC varies from bank to bank - at many they are free if you meet certain minimum balance requirements. Also, as mentioned, the AAA may have a good rate - try the Singapore Auto club, if there is one. Additionally, if you carry a Gold or Platinum American Express card you%26#39;ll probably get a good rate directly from the Amex office, I can%26#39;t remember what rate - but they might be free.

As you can tell from the various posts, the rate for withdrawing funds through an ATM varies from bank to bank. Also the daily limit from one%26#39;s account varies from bank to bank. Additionally, the charge for using an ATM not directly affilliated with your bank varies from bank to bank. Independent ATMs - those freestanding ATMs not affilliated with an actual bank usually have higher user fees and lower limits per transaction.

So - visit your bank and get a 4 digit PIN if you don%26#39;t already have one - although, on my various visits to Singapore I%26#39;ve never seen an ATM that requires anything but a 4 digit one, but you never know --

Generally ATMs in America allow you to access more than one account - decide whether you want to be able to use your savings account as well as your current or checking one. Also - request that your daily limit be increased if need be - and double check what the charges will be to use a machine in America. Then - use credit cards whenever possible - a keep the ATM card as a back-up.

Enjoy your trip - Las Vegas is great fun, even if you don%26#39;t gamble - Cirque du Soleil is a great show -- and try to visit Hoover Dam - the tour is amazing --