Expert: JRA - 3/18/2008

Question
I was wondering if I should take traveler's checks with me as someone told me that it takes a month to encash a check and so very few people take checks. Is that true?
If so how should i carry my money-- cash or debit/atm/ credit card or tcs or all?

Thanks in advance

Answer
Hi,

Checks are pretty much worthless if you don't have a local bank account.   It does take about three weeks for a check to clear if you deposit it in a local account and most businesses will not accept checks.
You will find that credit cards are accepted almost everywhere.  You can also make withdrawals at ATMs. Traveler's checks are a good option too.
Carry a little cash but mostly use credit/debit cards as it is safer to travel with the least cash possible.

Have a nice  trip.