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Where can i cash Amex Traveler Checks?
I'll be traveling very soon and i need to take some traveler checks. Where will i be able to cash them?
My advice would be the exchange booth at Schipol airport. (I think it is a Thomas Cook service) It is just outside the exit from customs, I don't think you can miss it. You get that chore out of the way and conceal your money before heading into town. Be careful about exchanging money around Centraal Station in Amsterdam or Leidseplein. There are exchange windows there as well. There are also pickpockets who will watch you. Keep your bags close to you until you can drop them off at your hotel. Keep your cash in a tight front pocket or other fairly secure spot. When exchanging larger sums of traveler's cheques, you will need your passport for identification and in some instances, the cheque receipts.
While Travelers cheques have security, they are cumbersome. You can acquire Euros from your bank in the US (well some banks will provide the service). You can also use a debit card to get cash at an ATM machine. I know that Visa Cheque cards work in the ATMs and the exchange rate is as good as you can get. There is an ATM in Leidseplein and others around the city. I hope you have selected a decent 3-star hotel to stay in. They should have a hotel safe for your passport and extra cash. I don't stay anywhere that does not provide at least a safe at the desk. I prefer one in the room.
Now the good news. Pickpockets or bag theives are the only crime you will encounter in Amsterdam. A little caution when arriving or exchanging currency and you will have a great time The only other nuisance are the beggars. Just tell them "NO" and walk away.
do you know what the fees are for cashing an Amex check?
There is an Amex office on the Damrak, down the street from Centraal Station. If you have an Am Ex card, I believe there is no charge. Some places charge a flat ?2.50 for cashing traveller checks, others charge more.
The Am/Ex office on Damrak is a good place to cash your T checks. It is half way between Centraal Station and Dam Square on you right hand side as you walk away from Centraal Station. What makes them good is: privacy, they are located on the 2nd floor away from the street folks. Nobody is in there except their customers and them. You can have your money securely tucked away before you go back outside. Also, there is no fee if you are cashing their T checks.
The bad thing is that they don't know how much longer they will be open. My friend who works there says they are on a week to week basis. It is a good idea to bring your passport to the office until they get to know you.
Also, it is a good idea to hit the ground with euros already in your pocket, another place you can get them is through AAA, if you are a member.
moe.
I agree with Billy, travelers checks are a complete waste of time. Just bring a debit card and a credit card. You can take out money at the airport on either, and you'll be able to withdraw up to 400 Euro per day on each in cash. Most things can be charged anyway, so you don't need cash for much of anything except weed (and prostitutes, but I think some take credit cards...)
LOL. I wouldn't count on credit cards in the Red Light District with the Kamer ladies. Private houses are a different matter. Credit cards are accepted but there is a 15% surcharge. Then there is always that notation on your monthly statement for your wife to read ;-)
I don't want to use my ATM card exclusivly, i don't want to put all my cash in the bank.... im going alone and my wife would spend the money before i could take it out....
That is why i need to take a couple grand in traveler's checks...
Risky risky. Carrying two grands' worth of travellers cheques around Amsterdam, especially stoned...
You could set up another account?
If you keep them in the hotel safe and just take what you need every couple of days to the Am/Ex office, you should be fine. I've brought at least $1500.00 in travellers checks with me every trip so far and using that method haven't lost one...yet. And I do my best to stay stoned at all times while there. Then again, I'm old fashioned. I've talked to many people who prefer ATM/Debit cards. I just don't use mine that much, partly because I work for a financial insitution and take care of my business "on the clock" and I get my travellers checks for free, maybe next time I'll be bold and try using the plastic instead. If you feel you must bring TC's just keep them in one of those travel pouches that you wear around your neck until you get to the hotel and then secure them in the safe. Also, I tell this to people all the time on the job...if they are Am/Ex, keep the receipt in a safe and seperate place because that is what you use to get a refund if they are lost or stolen.
moe.
I usually take one "Mr. Franklin", two credit cards and two ATM cards. No problems or hassles in 5 trips!
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