Travellers cheques...

[dan08]

Travellers cheques... to use... or not to use... that is the question??

 

Just wondering whether anyones used them... or whether you think them necessary...

[didiaust]

Dan

 

Haven't used them for years. I use cash and take both my credit card and savings card. With ships card system it is easier now not to have to rely on cash (except for casino) Depending on what you intend buying - I use credit card I Villa for large purchases. Vila has ATMs- I also use CC in Noumea. I haven't used travelers Cheques in south east Asia for yonks either. I also always let Visa know where I am going

[Ela 2]

We don't use travellers cheques. There is a charge and if you don't use them and have to cash them in, it still costs.

 

Use your credit card for on-board expenses and take some cash that you can keep in your safe. If you buy alcohol from Fung Kuei in Vila it is charged in AUD, so you can either use cash or put it on your card. There will not be a currency conversion charge. If you buy any other expensive items (such as jewellery), use your credit card. There will be a currency conversion charge - ours was 2.4%.

 

I don't think camera gear is any cheaper overseas than here so you may as well buy here where you won't have a problem with the warranty. Buy within 30 days of your trip and you can get the 10% GST refunded if the purchase is over $300. This is the Travellers Refund Scheme (TRS). You see the tax man after you pass through Immigration and before you board the ship. Show the tax receipt and the item to get the GST refunded to your account. Have details of your bank account with youor show your credit card. :):)

[Kiwi Kruzer]

Can you still get them???

Use a credit card or ATM,at least you only get stung for the charges on what you use .

[mummsie]

We have been reading that lots of people are now using Travellers Cheques again. Works out much cheaper than paying fees on overseas eftpos charges and if you have your cards stolen, you are still able to function. We are going to be using them in Europe next year. In fact we have started buying them for our trip next year. When the $ is good, we buy. - mummsie

[arxcards]

I don't think camera gear is any cheaper overseas than here so you may as well buy here where you won't have a problem with the warranty. Buy within 30 days of your trip and you can get the 10% GST refunded if the purchase is over $300. This is the Travellers Refund Scheme (TRS). You see the tax man after you pass through Immigration and before you board the ship. Show the tax receipt and the item to get the GST refunded to your account. Have details of your bank account with youor show your credit card. :):)

I am currently shopping for a new SLR camera, probably a Canon. I have been reading an article on their web site, that states that they do not support warranties on parallel or personal imports. If it is not distributed by Canon Australia, it is not covered. Distribution of these cameras is identified in each country by unique bar codes, even though the camera might be otherwise identical.

 

While there are other countries that will be a bit cheaper, particularly in Asia, they may not be covered by Australian warranty. TRS is definately the way to go.

[Ela 2]

I am currently shopping for a new SLR camera, probably a Canon.

Hi Geoff,

We both use Canon SLRs and they are brilliant. A lot of our photos are for publication so we have to have good gear!!:):)

[arxcards]

We have been reading that lots of people are now using Travellers Cheques again. Works out much cheaper than paying fees on overseas eftpos charges and if you have your cards stolen, you are still able to function. We are going to be using them in Europe next year. In fact we have started buying them for our trip next year. When the $ is good, we buy. - mummsie

Definately a plus when travelling a lot on land, and Europe will still be a great place to use Travellers Checks. However, I can't see them being relevant on a South Pacific cruise, where most of your expense is in $AU.

 

I will always carry a backup card separately, and have access to redraw on my mortgage in an absolute emergency.