Traveler's Checks Still Accepted in India?

punzelle · Jun 23rd, 2009, 03:33

I've read that fewer places accept traveler's checks anymore because of the relative ease of counterfeiting them with today's sophisticated graphics programs. I'd like to hear from anyone who has recently been traveling in India (or is there now) if this is so -- or if it's just a better idea to use ATMs and some cash altogether. - Thanks! ~

edwardseco · Jun 23rd, 2009, 06:45

Banks still do..

obione980 · Jun 23rd, 2009, 11:22

My recommendation - use ATMs as your main source of cash. Keep $100USD or equivalent as an untouched cash reserve, and 2 or 3 Travellers Cheques as emergency standby.

punzelle · Jun 24th, 2009, 13:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by edwardseco

Banks still do..

but will merchants, restaurants, or lodgings take them, or do you need to cash them at a bank?

punzelle · Jun 24th, 2009, 13:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by obione980

My recommendation - use ATMs as your main source of cash. Keep $100USD or equivalent as an untouched cash reserve, and 2 or 3 Travellers Cheques as emergency standby.

Is there any particular one better to have, such as American Express, etc., from the Us?

obione980 · Jun 24th, 2009, 13:53

American Express have a branch in Delhi. I have used AUD American Express Travellers Cheques to pay an Indian Travel Agent - with no problem - so imagine there'd be no problem with American Express USD TCs.

edwardseco · Jun 24th, 2009, 14:11

Amex has some advantages in general and is better accepted in India for some reason..

nycank · Jun 26th, 2009, 16:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by edwardseco

Amex has some advantages in general and is better accepted in India for some reason..

Outside the US, it was always known as a travel company. The Brand is what counts.

atala · Jun 26th, 2009, 18:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by obione980

American Express have a branch in Delhi. I have used AUD American Express Travellers Cheques to pay an Indian Travel Agent - with no problem - so imagine there'd be no problem with American Express USD TCs.

Probably Amexco checks are good to use, but I recommend not to change them at the official Amexco outlet. I had one bad experience where they gave me a very bad exchange rate. Probably they are not getting much exchange traffic at their offices, and so might take advantage of the few people who come to change there.

I do support your other advice, obione, and do it likewise,

Quote:

My recommendation - use ATMs as your main source of cash. Keep $100USD or equivalent as an untouched cash reserve, and 2 or 3 Travellers Cheques as emergency standby.

except that I am carrying much more foreign cash, about US $500-800 (nowadays in equivalent Swiss Francs due to better exchange rate and it being my earning currency). Cash is in general preferred, while with TCs you have to pay an extra commission when changing. But for safety reasons I do carry a few TCs like you do, even though I am not completely sure how fast I would get substitutes if I lost all my money. I follow more of an irrational logic with this. I find the presence of so many different money sources in my pocket reassuring.

I also have a Mastercard, but draw my money solely with my Maestro-Card, which I recommend for this purpose also.

Jun 23rd, 2009, 03:33	#1
punzelle Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Eureka, CA, USA Posts: 115	Traveler's Checks Still Accepted in India? I've read that fewer places accept traveler's checks anymore because of the relative ease of counterfeiting them with today's sophisticated graphics programs. I'd like to hear from anyone who has recently been traveling in India (or is there now) if this is so -- or if it's just a better idea to use ATMs and some cash altogether. - Thanks! ~

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Jun 23rd, 2009, 06:45	#2
edwardseco Maha Guru Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Land that shakes and bakes. Posts: 5,844	Banks still do..

Jun 23rd, 2009, 11:22	#3
obione980 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Brisbane Posts: 381	My recommendation - use ATMs as your main source of cash. Keep $100USD or equivalent as an untouched cash reserve, and 2 or 3 Travellers Cheques as emergency standby.

Jun 24th, 2009, 13:53	#6
obione980 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Brisbane Posts: 381	American Express have a branch in Delhi. I have used AUD American Express Travellers Cheques to pay an Indian Travel Agent - with no problem - so imagine there'd be no problem with American Express USD TCs.

Jun 24th, 2009, 14:11	#7
edwardseco Maha Guru Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Land that shakes and bakes. Posts: 5,844	Amex has some advantages in general and is better accepted in India for some reason..