travellers cheques spain

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A Guide to Travellers Cheques

Once a foreign currency staple, this form of prepaid funds has existed for hundreds of years, designed as a way to allow payment from one person to another across currencies. As the financial services sector continues to shift to online solutions , we look at how, where and why travellers cheques are used, as we discuss the relevance of this form of currency.

What are travellers cheques?

The history of the travellers cheque spans as far back as 1772 when the first of its kind was issued by the London Credit Exchange Company, in the UK. Over the coming centuries the concept became popularised on a global scale, with major banks and financial institutions adopting this form of travel money in the 20th century. American Express became the largest issuer of travellers cheques and continues to offer these services to customers to this day.

A safe and convenient method of payment for anyone travelling to foreign territories, these pre-printed cheques hold a fixed amount which can be used worldwide across a range of currencies. Designed to facilitate payments from one person to another, using different currencies, travellers cheques were initially seen as a more practical way for individuals to carry their spending money.

Travellers cheques had their heyday in the late 20th century, reaching peak popularity in the mid-90s, before alternatives such as credit and debit cards became more widely available and easier to manage financial transactions. It was reported in 2018 that a mere 1.5% of Britons use travellers cheques, a rapid decrease over the course of two decades.

How do you use travellers cheques?

When you first receive your travellers cheques, you will be required to sign each one before use, as a way of verifying your signature. Each cheque will have a fixed value (usually $20, $50, $100, $500 etc.) as well as a unique serial number which can typically be found in the top right corner.

It is important to take note of these serial numbers as they will be referenced in any case of lost or stolen cheques. Unlike cash, if anything happens to your travellers cheques, the original vendor will be able to issue a refund for the exact same value. This added level of security is why this payment method was seen as revolutionary when first introduced.

As well as signing upon receipt, you will also need to sign each travellers cheque when used by a retailer or exchanged for cash. The act of signing your name as a form of security is somewhat outdated, given the modern technologies in place nowadays.

When accepted by retailers, a travellers cheque will be treated like local currency, which means you should receive any change in the standard, local currency.

Where can I get travellers cheques?

Due to dwindling demand, travellers cheques are not as readily available as they once were. However, they can still be acquired from some banks and financial institutions, post offices and currency exchange offices, like Travelex.

One thing to note is you may be required to settle the handling, commission or cash-in fees that often accompany travellers cheques, and these can be expensive, amounting to 2 - 3% in some cases. This cost is another reason they are no longer as frequently used.

Where can I use travellers cheques?

Generally, travellers cheques are still accepted all over the world, albeit harder to find vendors selling them and retailers accepting them as legal tender. Consider your destination before deciding on this form of travel money: if you are travelling to major cities there is more chance of you finding somewhere to cash your cheques or use them for in-store purchases. However, more remote destinations may not be equipped or able to accept this type of funds.

How safe are travellers cheques?

The original blueprint for travellers cheques was a paper payment method which could be used as foreign currency but was more secure than handling cash. At the height of its popularity, travellers cheques were generally considered much safer than cash due to the added security of their unique serial numbers, meaning customers could cancel and replace cheques if need be. These numerical codes were a money-back guarantee for anyone whose cheques were misplaced, destroyed or stolen. Another added benefit, if your travellers cheques are intercepted, you will not be vulnerable to bank fraud, as they are in no way connected to your bank account, unlike credit or debit cards.

Financial security measures have evolved greatly since the inception of travellers cheques, however, with the introduction of PIN codes, two-factor authentication, fingerprint touch ID and facial recognition, to name a few forms of fintech security commonly available now. With this in mind, the concept of a travellers cheque no longer measures up in terms of fraud protection and data encryption.

Travellers cheque vs. Cashiers cheque: What is the difference?

In terms of appearance, a travellers cheque looks nearly identical to a standard issue cashier's cheque: but are they similar in any other ways?

A cashiers cheque is issued by a bank or financial institution and is designed to be processed quickly, by the individual whose name is printed on the cheque. Conversely, a travellers cheque is for use overseas, is loaded with prepaid foreign currency - usually USD or GBP - and does not have a name or account number printed on it, although it does require a signature. Because travellers cheques do not have any bank details printed on them, they are deemed safer than cashiers cheques in terms of potential for fraudulent use. In addition to this, they are paid for when printed, meaning it is not possible for a travellers cheque to bounce.

What are the alternatives?

Credit or debit cards.

If you are worried about travellers cheques not being widely accepted where you are going, then this form of travel money will offer more flexibility. Using your regular bank cards overseas provides a record of spending and offers maximum convenience, but there are also some frequently flagged concerns. Primarily these concerns focus on the sky-high fees and below-average exchange rates related to using your debit or credit card abroad. This isn’t always the case, however, as many banks and financial institutions offer travel credit cards, tailored to suit the needs of frequent flyers.

Travel money cards

Prepaid travel money cards are the modern equivalent to travellers cheques and have become very popular. This is largely due to the fact that they are totally separate from your regular bank account, allowing users to spend their balance freely without the worry of potential fraud or overspending. Preloaded with funds, travel money cards often help limit additional currency exchange charges. In addition to this, in spite of fluctuating currency rates, these cards let customers lock-in a favourable exchange rate ahead of time.

International bank accounts

If you are headed overseas for a sustained period of time, it could be more convenient and cost-effective to open a bank account in your destination country. You would be subject to the relevant security and eligibility checks but this decision pays off if you are making regular international money transfers or being paid in a different currency by foreign clients . Find out more about this option by reading our guide: How to Open a Bank Account Overseas.

Due to the growing alternative digital payment methods available nowadays, it seems this age-old travel money no longer measures up in terms of accessibility, cost and convenience. When travellers cheques were originally launched, ATM withdrawals were not commonplace for travellers, and digital point of sale systems had not been invented. Nowadays, it is easy to access local currency using an assortment of different payment methods such as debit or credit cards, travel money cards or money transfer apps .

The best option for anyone who is reluctant to use their debit or credit card overseas, would be to use a prepaid travel money card. Prepaid travel money cards are a safer and more widely used alternative to travellers cheques, and customers do not need to seek out a bank to use them, are not required to sign for each transaction and security measures in place are far more advanced. This method enables customers to secure multiple foreign currencies, locking in the optimum exchange rate for your currency pairing ahead of your trip abroad. Use our comparison tool to ensure you receive the most competitive exchange rates for your international money needs.

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Traveler’s Checks When Traveling Abroad — Useful or Outdated?

Christy Rodriguez

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What Are Traveler’s Checks?

Where to buy traveler’s checks, how to use traveler’s checks, what to do if traveler’s checks are stolen, 1. no access to credit or debit card, 2. limited access to atms, 3. access good exchange rates , 4. avoid common credit or debit fees, 5. as an added safety measure, 1. limited availability for use, 2. not all banks offer them, 3. potential for additional fees, 4. bulky paperwork, credit card, prepaid card, do your research, tell your bank you are traveling, don’t keep all of your money in 1 place, final thoughts.

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When traveling abroad, you might wonder how to pay for things once you arrive. Should you bring currency on your trip? Which currency should you bring? Can you get money once you arrive? How much cash should you carry at once?

Many of these questions can be answered by using traveler’s checks. Traveler’s checks might seem like an outdated choice, but they can still be useful in certain situations.

In this article, we’ll explain what traveler’s checks are, how they work, and when they might be worth the hassle. We’ll also explore other more common alternatives and give tips for obtaining foreign currency.

Traveler’s checks are documents that can be used like standard paper checks and cash. Travelers purchase them before they leave home to exchange for cash in the local currency when they arrive at their destination.

These checks are printed in varying denominations, and each check is uniquely numbered so that it can be replaced quickly if lost or stolen.

Banks, hotels, and merchants were once very used to accepting traveler’s checks. These places liked traveler’s checks because of the safeguards that were put in place. Basically, as long as the original signature matched the signature made at the time of the purchase, payment is guaranteed — eliminating any “bounced checks.”

Now, with the increased use of credit and debit cards (especially those with no foreign transaction fees ), prepaid cards, and ATMs on every corner, traveler’s checks have become less popular.

You may find it difficult to find banks or hotels that accept them , and if you do, you might be at the mercy of their business hours to cash them in.

How To Buy and Use Traveler’s Checks

You can still buy and use traveler’s checks in the U.S. and other countries.

You can find traveler’s checks offered by companies like American Express and Visa . You can also go to your local AAA office to purchase them.

The best place to purchase traveler’s checks is from your own bank, but unfortunately, many banks no longer offer traveler’s checks, including Chase, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America.

If you’re not sure if your bank offers traveler’s checks, it’s worth contacting them to confirm. If you are a customer, banks typically waive any fees to obtain them and this can add up because other companies can add on a 1% to 3% fee on top of the base currency amount that you request.

In order to obtain a traveler’s check, you will need to:

• Either go in person to an eligible bank or visit the website of the traveler’s check issuer.
• Select the total amount of currency to purchase.
• Submit payment, including any fees.

Once you have the traveler’s checks, you need to know how to use them. Traveler’s checks work a bit differently than other forms of currency. Here are the steps you’ll need to take:

• Sign the checks immediately. Follow the issuer’s instructions to find out where to sign (and only sign once).
• Leave evidence of your traveler’s check purchase somewhere safe. If checks get lost or stolen, you’ll need to provide proof of purchase along with check numbers to get a refund. Leave those details with a friend or save them online for easy remote access.
• Complete the payee and date fields. Once you have confirmed that the payee or bank will accept traveler’s checks, fill out the payee and date fields.
• Sign the check again. You must complete this portion in-person to ensure that the signature matches the original. You may also need to show some sort of identification as well. This is key to keeping traveler’s checks secure.
• If checks get lost or stolen, contact the issuer immediately. You may be able to get replacement checks locally, and the issuer needs to know which checks to cancel.

Traveler’s checks don’t expire , so if you don’t use them you can either keep them for future use or deposit them into your bank account once you’re home.

If all of your cash is stolen while you’re traveling abroad, you’ll have next to no chance of getting it back.

However, if this happens with your traveler’s checks, you’ll likely get them replaced as long as you’ve complied with your check issuer’s purchase agreement . This is the primary benefit of traveling with traveler’s checks.

Bottom Line: Treat your traveler’s checks like cash. If you lose your checks, you may not get replacements if your check issuer has reason to believe you didn’t safeguard them appropriately.

Here’s what to do if your traveler’s checks are lost or stolen:

• Call the customer service phone number provided by your issuer or find it by accessing their website.
• Provide proof that the check is yours by submitting the check number, proof of purchase, and your identification. It’s important to have easy access to this information for this reason.
• If required by your issuer, provide evidence that you have reported your stolen check to the police.
• Be sure to return any other refund paperwork requested.

If you don’t comply, you could experience delays or even have your claim denied. After you’ve reported your missing check, your provider will void it and issue you a new check.

Some issuers even pledge to get replacement checks out to you within 24 hours !

Best Ways To Use Traveler’s Checks

The following are situations when you might consider using traveler’s checks:

If you don’t have a credit card or a debit card tied to your bank account, a traveler’s check could be a safe alternative to simply carrying lots of cash abroad.

This tip also applies if your particular credit or debit card isn’t accepted abroad. This is more likely to happen if your card is something other than a Visa or Mastercard , as those credit cards claim the widest global network.

In many places, you can easily get cash in the local currency at an ATM once you arrive. This wouldn’t be a problem in Europe, for example, but ATMs are rare in some parts of the world. In addition, ATMs can malfunction, networks can be down, and machines might even run out of cash.

Traveler’s checks allow you to get local currency at participating banks, hotels, and other foreign locations without regard for these potential problems.

Buying traveler’s checks can help you avoid bad exchange rates. If you decide to exchange currency once you arrive, you might not get the best conversion rates by doing this at the airport.

By purchasing traveler’s checks before you leave, you can lock in a set amount at the current exchange rate.

Read our guide for the best places to exchange currency .

If your credit or debit card charges a foreign transaction fee , you can be charged a fee every time you make a purchase with your card in a foreign country. If your card also charges ATM fees, these fees can add up quickly.

To avoid these fees, it might make sense to use traveler’s checks. Although there may be a fee involved when you purchase or cash a traveler’s check, it might still be less than other fees your credit or debit card may charge.

Hot Tip: If your card charges a foreign transaction fee, it will typically be 3% of each purchase you make.

If you’re traveling to a potentially unsafe region, traveler’s checks keep your money secure. Even if you’re in a relatively safe place, anyone who enters your room or has access to your bags could search for your money.

The main benefit of traveler’s checks is that they reduce your risk of theft or loss. Since they can’t be cashed without your signature and often require a photo ID, they are less appealing to thieves or pickpockets. They can also be easily replaced if you provide the issuer with the proper information.

Cons of Using Traveler’s Checks

Here are some reasons that might discourage you from using traveler’s checks:

In much of Europe and Asia, traveler’s checks are no longer widely accepted and cannot be easily cashed — even at the banks that issued them.

This means that cashing in traveler’s checks might require hunting down a bank branch or hotel that accepts them during business hours.

Bottom Line: Those relying solely on traveler’s checks may find that they are unable to cash them in many remote or rural locations.

Certain major banks, such as Bank of America, no longer offer traveler’s checks at all. This might mean ordering traveler’s checks online well in advance of your travel plans or having to find a new bank that offers them.

If a company does offer traveler’s checks, it typically charges fees for both buying and cashing in a traveler’s check. While some banks offer them for free if you are a customer, others charge between 1% to 3% of the total purchase amount.

Check the math for your own situation, but using traveler’s checks could actually cost more than using an ATM or credit card abroad.

Not only are traveler’s checks a hassle to carry, but most companies also require that you keep proof of purchase for the checks to verify the check numbers if they are lost or stolen.

Both of these just add up to keeping track of additional paperwork.

Other Alternatives

Obviously, traveler’s checks aren’t your only option when it comes to obtaining foreign currency. Here are some other options you should consider.

Cash is convenient and relatively easy to exchange. You can bring money from home into a foreign bank or currency exchange location almost anywhere in the world. It can be easily exchanged without the worry of multiple bank fees or ATM fees adding up.

Hot Tip: Be aware: if you exchange your money in tourist areas, you might be hit with a bad exchange rate.

On the downside, carrying paper money is a risk since it can’t be replaced if stolen.

A debit card can be used at an ATM to collect cash. While not all ATM machines (especially in more rural places) accept foreign debit cards, you will find that most do.

Depending on your bank, you might even have to pay both an out-of-network ATM and an international ATM fee for this convenience.

Hot Tip: An out-of-network ATM fee is typically between $2 to $3.50 per transaction in 2021 and a typical international ATM fee can range from $2 to $7 per transaction (plus a 3% conversion fee), depending on your bank and card.

Most restaurants and stores accept foreign debit cards, but carrying a form of backup currency is always wise . Additionally, foreign transaction fees can add up quickly if you are using your debit card frequently.

Like debit cards, credit cards are small and easy to carry. Mastercard, Visa, and more recently, American Express , are widely accepted in other countries, so you can rest easy knowing you will be able to complete your purchases. You can also limit fees by getting a credit card with no foreign transaction fees .

A credit card also comes with fraud protection. You can dispute fraudulent charges and get them removed from your account if reported timely.

Hot Tip: While you can use a credit card for ATM transactions, you will be hit with a cash advance fee . It’s best to avoid doing this, if possible.

If you have difficulty getting approved for a credit card , a prepaid card could be a good alternative. You simply load the card with money from your bank account and use it as a debit card at an ATM or as a credit card at merchants and hotels.

While prepaid cards are locked with a PIN number, they can sometimes be difficult to use at ATM machines. Additionally, fees for foreign currency transactions can be as high as 7% , depending on the card.

Hot Tip: Booking hotels, airfare, or activities online will require either a credit card, debit card, or prepaid card.

Money Tips for Traveling Abroad

Know which types of currency are accepted at your destination and how much of each type (if any) you should bring. Especially be aware of any cash you might need on arrival (to obtain a visa , exchange upon arrival, etc.) in case you can’t immediately locate an ATM or a currency exchange office.

Carry a mix of cash, cards, and maybe even traveler’s checks. Ideally, the cards you bring with you shouldn’t have foreign transaction fees or ATM fees . Having some variety also helps if one of your cards isn’t accepted or your cash is lost or stolen. 

Always be sure to let your bank and credit card issuers know where you’re going and when so that your card isn’t declined when you try to make a purchase due to unusual activity.

If you exchange money at your bank, you will likely also get a better exchange rate.

Keep some of your currency or an extra card locked in your hotel room’s safe or in a money belt . In the terrible instance that you lose your purse or wallet, you would still have immediate access to additional money.

We’ve shown that traveler’s checks aren’t necessarily the most convenient way to take currency abroad, but depending on if you have limited access to debit or credit cards or they aren’t accepted where you are traveling, it might be worth it to bring some along.

Overall, if you’ve decided that traveler’s checks can be of use to you, taking some, along with some cash and a debit, credit, or prepaid card, may just be the smartest way to travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you still buy traveler's checks.

While many larger banks are no longer offering traveler’s checks, they are still available at American Express and other smaller banks and credit unions. It is worth asking if your bank offers them and at what cost.

How much does it cost to buy traveler's checks?

While some banks offer them for free if you are a customer, others charge between 1% and 3% of the purchase amount.

What is the purpose of a traveler's check?

A traveler’s check offers a safer option than carrying around money. There are multiple safeguards in place to prevent fraud and if the checks are lost or stolen, they can be easily replaced.

Can you cash old traveler's checks?

Traveler’s checks do not expire. You can cash them in at any time — typically even at banks that don’t offer them for sale. This means you can go to your own bank and redeem your traveler’s checks.

To do this, date them, fill out the “Pay To” field (to your bank), and countersign in the presence of the cashier . Any unused value will be returned to you in cash.

Can I buy traveler's checks online?

American Express is the only large bank that offers traveler’s checks online. Its website offers a step-by-step process to order them.

You should check with your local bank or credit union to see if they might also offer this benefit.

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About Christy Rodriguez

After having “non-rev” privileges with Southwest Airlines, Christy dove into the world of points and miles so she could continue traveling for free. Her other passion is personal finance, and is a certified CPA.

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Money and duty free for spain, currency and money, currency information.

Euro (EUR; symbol €) = 100 cents ( céntimos ). Notes are in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of €2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.

Credit cards

American Express, MasterCard and Visa are accepted throughout the country, although cash is your safest bet.

ATMs are widespread across Spain and many accept foreign cards.

Travellers cheques

Traveller's cheques are disappearing from use fast so it's far more convenient to travel with credit cards. Nevertheless, you can still change them in main bank branches and exchange bureaux, and they are also accepted in major hotels. It is advisable to bring them in sterling or dollars as there have been increasing reports of Euro cheques being refused.

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Money can be changed in any bank, and at most travel agencies, major hotels and airports.

Spain duty free

Spain is within the European Union. If you are travelling from outside of the EU , you are entitled to buy fragrance, skincare, cosmetics, Champagne, wine, selected spirits, fashion accessories, gifts and souvenirs - all at tax-free equivalent prices.

Spain's duty-free allowance for travellers from EU countries:

If you are over 17 years old, you are free to buy and take goods with you when travelling between EU countries, provided that you have paid tax on these goods and they are for your own use (not for sale). However, if you bring in more than the following, customs officials are likely to question you:

• 800 cigarettes or 400 cigarillos or 200 cigars or 1kg of tobacco. • 90L of still wine of which a maximum of 60L can be sparkling wine. • 110L of beer. • 10L of alcoholic beverages stronger than 22% or 20L of fortified or sparkling wine or other liqueurs up to 22%.

Beware that each EU country has different rules for travellers under 17 years old. Please check before you travel.

Spain's duty-free allowance for travellers from non-EU countries:

If you are arriving from a non-EU country, the following goods may be imported into Spain by travellers with a minimum age of 17 years without incurring customs duty:

• 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos (max. 3 grams each) or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco. You may combine any of these tobacco products provided you do not exceed the total limit. • 4L of wine and 16L of beer and 1L of spirits over 22% volume or 2L of alcoholic beverages less than 22% volume or a proportional mix of these products provided the total limit is not exceeded. • Other goods up to the value of €430 for air and sea travellers and €300 for other travellers (reduced to €150 for children under 15).

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Meat, fish and dairy products from outside the EU, and unauthorised firearms and ammunition.

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Endangered species require an export permit.

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Spain entry requirements: New travel rules as UK tourists could be asked to prove they can pay £85 to enter

Thinking about taking a holiday to Spain some time soon? You could be asked to prove you have sufficient funds to enter the country.

It comes after new rules were introduced by the Spanish ministry. Now, border control could ask arrivals to prove they can cover the cost of their break.

Spanish border control staff are able to request proof that tourists have access to €100 per day during their stay, have a minimum of €900 (£766.94) money available in total.

UK tourists currently also should have proof of a return or onward travel ticket, as well as evidence of accommodation for the duration of their stay. This can be a booking confirmation, proof of address if visiting their own property (such as a holiday home) or proof of address if staying with friends, family or someone else. These rules apply to all tourists from outside the EU or the Schengen area and came into force on January 1, 2022.

These are requirements that came in post-Brexit, and add to the conditions UK tourists already have to meet to travel to Spain. That includes proof of full vaccination – or a negative test or previous infection for all visitors aged 12 or over.

How much do you have to prove you have available to spend per day?

Under the new rules, you could be asked to prove that you have enough funds, but what counts as “proof of sufficient funds”?

• Certified checks (that’s a personal check that the bank has certified from your personal funds)
• Traveller’s checks (paper cheques sometimes used by people travelling to other countries)
• Payment letters
• Credit cards (this should be accompanied by bank account statements or an updated bank book)

Why are the new Spain travel rules being introduced?

The Spanish Ministry del Interior stated: "Foreigners from third countries must prove if required to do so by the officials in charge of controlling the entry of people into Spanish territory, that they have economic resources for entering the country, through cash, travellers’ cheques, payment letters, or credit cards, which must also be proven to have sufficient funds available on them."

The UK Foreign Office explains the rules in the following statement: “At Spanish border control, you may need to show a return or onward ticket; show you have enough money for your stay; show proof of accommodation for your stay, for example, a hotel booking confirmation, proof of address if visiting your own property (eg second home), or an invitation from your host or proof of their address if staying with a third party, friends or family.”

Tory MP Andrew Bridgen, speaking to the Mail Online, said EU leaders were punishing Britain for its choice to leave the EU, likely against the wishes of many EU citizens.

He said: "When it comes to British tourists, the Europeans appear to be cutting off the tourists’ noses despite their own face as a punishment for Brexit.”

Do you need any other documents to enter Spain?

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If you are fully vaccinated, you just need to show your NHS Covid pass, and you won’t need to complete Spain’s health control form .

If you are not fully vaccinated and do not have an NHS Covid Pass, you will need to complete Spain’s Health control form .

Pros and cons of using travelers checks when going abroad

Editorial team.

When traveling abroad, it’s important that you are able to buy the goods and services you need with as few hurdles as possible.

• Paper-based money is accepted at most places, but it could lose value every time you exchange it. While there may be ATMs available that allow you to take out small amounts of cash each day, you could be charged withdrawal fees, especially if the bank is not your own. In addition, you run the risk of your cash being lost or stolen.
• Although using a credit card when traveling abroad is a popular option, not all merchants accept plastic. Those that do might only take chip cards. However, credit cards do have more of an advantage when it comes to fraud protection and liability coverage.

In between these two payment options are travelers checks (a.k.a. cheques). Although not ideal in all circumstances, travelers checks can offer some important benefits. Before diving into the pros and cons of travelers checks, it’s important to understand what they are and how they work.

What is a travelers check?

Travelers checks are a medium of exchange designed for the express purpose of foreign travel. Prior to an upcoming trip, would-be travelers can visit a local bank, AAA, or travel agency to purchase these checks, with most travelers check denominations ranging from $20 at the lower end to $1,000 at the higher end.

Once abroad, you can either:

• Use these checks to make purchases at participating hotels or retail stores
• Exchange your checks for cash in the local currency at participating banks or check cashing agencies

Because every check carries a unique serial number, they’re insured against theft and loss. If a traveler loses a check, the original bank can cancel it and issue a replacement to be picked up at a local bank or travel agency in the destination country.

Advantages of travelers checks

One of the main advantages of using travelers checks is that they are easy to cancel or replace. If your wallet is stolen, you can receive replacement checks — provided that you still have the serial numbers of the missing ones.

This is in sharp contrast to cash, because when it’s gone…it’s gone, and credit cards can be difficult to replace when overseas.

Another advantage is that travelers checks are  indirectly  accepted everywhere.  Simply convert your check into cash, and you now have enough local currency to buy whatever you need.

Travelers checks may also carry lower fees than credit cards do — but be prepared to pay slightly higher exchange rates. 

Challenges of using travelers checks

One of the main challenges of using travelers checks could be the ability to exchange them. This might not seem like a big deal as you’re preparing for your trip, but imagine landing in a foreign city late at night and not being able to exchange your travelers checks into usable cash.

Despite the time of day you arrive, travelers checks aren’t accepted everywhere. Many smaller towns may not have services that can convert checks into money.

Another challenge is keeping track of all of the serial numbers of each check in the event that you need to cancel or replace them. It’s important you keep those numbers separate from your wallet. While this may not be a deal breaker for you, it’s definitely something to consider as you plan your trip.

Travelers checks typically carry less competitive exchange rates than what credit cards offer. It can be difficult to determine the best amount for each stop, so consider requesting travelers checks in the smallest denominations possible.

Are travelers checks right for your trip?

While travelers checks may not seem practical — especially at a time when ATMs and credit card terminals are so popular worldwide — they can provide additional insurance against the loss or theft of other payment types.

Since travelers checks don’t expire, whatever amount you don’t use can be exchanged for US dollars at your local bank when you return home. Once you know how to use travelers checks safely and correctly, there’s no reason not to have a few on-hand for your next trip.

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About the author:

After 4-1/2 years of covering European travel topics for About.com, Durant and Cheryl Imboden co-founded Europe for Visitors in 2001. The site has earned "Best of the Web" honors from Forbes and The Washington Post .

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travellers cheques - Benidorm Forum

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I have just purchased some sterling travellers cheques from marks and spencers and was advised by them not to as they say customers are having problems cashing these in spain I have never had a problem exchanging them in the past . Any body else heard of this? I like to travel with a mixture of cash, cheques and cards. This is the second time this year that i have been told this in the same branch; iwonder if there is more commission to be made in selling euros or are travellers cheques being phased out?

Have you thought about a Caxton FX prepaid debit card?

http://eurochange.es

Have a look on here. People are using travellers cheques again, because they are insured if lost or stolen.

E1.24 for Pound travellers cheques today.

Eurotabac/Eurochange shops , the Wine Barrell shops , Sheila's Money Exchange in the Indoor Market , Tony's exchange in Calle Londres and every Hotel in Benidorm

One in walking street in Old Town (friends used them Friday)

I did once have problems changing them in the Murcia region, quite a few exchange places didn't change them. The only place I found that would was Santander bank, and they had a limit of £1,000 a day. Benidorm no problem though.

A while ago you were also getting a slightly better exchange rate if you changed cheques. Don't ask me why or when though, because I dont know and cannot remember.

They are just like having Pounds cash but are safer because they cannot be cashed by others. Sometimes it's best to keep any un-used cheques for your next holiday, as you may be charged for this service in the UK.

do you know if they exchange american express travellers cheques?been told by bank that there has been a few problems chasing them i know the place i normally use by el trebol wouldnt cash them last year but a camera shop a little further down the road did

travellers cheques are being run down by all major banks and will be extiinct by March 2014 all banks etc are now using pre loaded debit cards, if you dont wish to draw funds from a curent account via your normal debit card

Have a look on here if they take them. They may charge for American Express.

Camera shop! ?? Answers on a post card..

I always change mine at Eurochange, and they're American Express. Never had a problem there and it's actually on the board in the shop and on the website showing the rate for travellers cheques.

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Why not try taking it to a bank or Post Office in the UK, to see if you can cash it in sterling? Check to see whether your new name will even be an issue, or if they'd be happy with you reproducing the signature. If the name is important, maybe a copy of your marriage certificate will satisfy them.

Yes I will do that. I have found t.cheques useful when I think Ive run out of money! thanks!

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Spain's '£97 a day' rule explained - what you need to know and how to prove you have the funds

W ith the holiday season kicking off, many Brits will be planning trips away to popular destinations in the coming months, including Spain. But UK holidaymakers may need to show proof that they have sufficient funds to cover their stay when they arrive at the border.

According to Spain ’s official guidance for travellers entering the country from outside of the Schengen zone, if requested by “competent authorities” they “must present proof of having sufficient financial means for the proposed stay, or of the ability to legally obtain such means.” It states that the minimum amount required is 120 dollars per person per day - equivalent to around £97.

The guidance adds that the funds can be proved by the following: presenting cash, traveller’s cheques, a credit card accompanied by a bank account statement, an up-to-date bank book, or any other resource that accredits the amount available, such as a credit statement regarding the card or bank account. It said bank letters or online bank statements will not be accepted.

READ MORE: Foreign Office latest travel advice for Morocco, Egypt, Dubai and more

There’s been reports of British tourists planning to ‘boycott’ the popular destination over the £97 entry rule . However, the entry requirement is not new and is not unique to Spain. Back in 2022 it was £85, which increased to £93 last year , and now it stands at £97.

The requirement for third-party travellers to show proof of funds is applicable to other EU countries as well - not just Spain. In fact the Official EU guidance for the Schengen border code states: “Means of subsistence shall be assessed in accordance with the duration and the purpose of the stay and by reference to average prices in the Member State(s) concerned for board and lodging in budget accommodation, multiplied by the number of days stayed.”

Detailing what is accepted, it said: ”The assessment of sufficient means of subsistence may be based on the cash, travellers’ cheques and credit cards in the third-country nationals possession. Declarations of sponsorship, where such declarations are provided for by national law and letters of guarantee from hosts, as defined by national law, where the third-country national is staying with a host, may also constitute evidence of sufficient means of subsistence.”

The financial requirement for EU member states varies depending on the country. For example, France requires tourists to show that they have 65 euros (around £55) per day of stay if they have a hotel booking, and a 120 euros (approximately £102) per day in case of non-presentation of a hotel booking.

It’s worth noting that not all UK travellers will be asked to provide proof of funds covering their trip - chances are you probably won’t be asked. But it is important to be prepared in case you are.

According to the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Brits could be asked to provide the following upon arrival in Spain:

• Show you have enough money for your stay
• Proof of accommodation for your stay: for example a hotel booking confirmation, proof of address if visiting your own property or a second home, or an invitation or proof of address if staying with a third party, friends or family, such as a ‘carta de invitation’ completed by your hosts

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