Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Thomas Cook.
Be sure to record the numbers of the checks, and keep that
information in a separate place in case they get lost or stolen. Most businesses
are pretty good about taking traveler's checks, but you're better off cashing them
in at a bank (in small amounts, of course) and paying in cash.
Remember:
Yo u'l l
need identification, such as a driver's license or passport, to change a traveler's
check.
CREDIT CARDS & ATMs
Credit cards are the most widely used form of
payment in the United States:
Visa
(Barclaycard in Britain),
MasterCard
(Euro-
Card in Europe, Access in Britain, Chargex in Canada),
American Express,
Diners Club, Discover,
and
Carte Blanche.
There are, however, a handful of
stores and restaurants that do not take credit cards, so be sure to ask in advance.
Most businesses display a sticker near their entrance to let you know which cards
they accept. (
Note:
Some businesses may require a minimum purchase, usually
around $10, to use a credit card.) In Chicago all major credit cards are com-
monly accepted, and if you are a Discover cardholder, you might find it more
extensively accepted than in other cities. That's because it's owned by Sears,
which is based in suburban Chicago.
It is strongly recommended that you bring at least one major credit card. You
must have a credit or charge card to rent a car. Hotels and airlines usually require
a credit card imprint as a deposit against expenses, and in an emergency a credit
card can be priceless.
You'll find
automated teller machines (ATMs)
on just about every block—
at least in almost every town—across the country. Some ATMs will allow you to
draw U.S. currency against your bank and credit cards. Check with your bank
before leaving home, and remember that you will need your personal identifi-
cation number (PIN) to do so. Most accept Visa, MasterCard, and American
Express, as well as ATM cards from other U.S. banks. Expect to be charged up
to $3 per transaction, however, if you're not using your own bank's ATM.
One way around these fees is to ask for cash back at grocery stores that accept
ATM cards and don't charge usage fees. Of course, you'll have to purchase some-
thing first.
ATM cards with major credit card backing, known as “debit cards,” are now
a commonly acceptable form of payment in most stores and restaurants. Debit
cards draw money directly from your checking account. Some stores enable you
to receive “cash back” on your debit card purchases as well.
SAFETY
GENERAL SUGGESTIONS
Although tourist areas are generally safe, U.S.
urban areas tend to be less safe than those in Europe or Japan. You should always
stay alert. This is particularly true of large American cities. If you're in doubt
about which neighborhoods are safe, don't hesitate to make inquiries with the
hotel front-desk staff or the local tourist office.
Avoid deserted areas, especially at night, and don't go into public parks after
dark unless there's a concert or similar occasion that will attract a crowd.
Travel Tip
Be sure to keep a copy of all your travel papers separate from your wallet
or purse, and leave a copy with someone at home should you need it
faxed in an emergency.
