Packoderm
Super Nomad
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Traveler's Checks - Who buys them?
For this trip, I'll buy $1,000.00 U.S. in traveler's checks using my credit card. I do not plan on using them, and I'll likely sell them all back to
the bank when I get home. I'll keep these checks in my "driving wallet" along with a token amount of cash in pesos and dollars and a copy of my
license. I'll be happy to sign over some of these checks if I'm pulled over by a cop. The rest of my money will be well hidden. Are there any reasons
for not going this route?
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vacaenbaja
Senior Nomad
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It all depends on how "liquid" you need your assets to be.
As long as your have enough cash on hand to get you in and out of trouble you will be ok for those 'on the spot " transactions.
I usually keep travelers checks in an amount for "emergencies" such as illness,mechanical problems.
etc. Never intending to spend the money unless I have a need like I spot some outrageous deal on something that I want. Otherwise, when I get back it
is back in the bank with it.
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bajabound2005
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Aren't those almost like passe with ATM and debit cards? There are ATMs almost everywhere now. Many won't accept a travelers check, other than
maybe a bank. And where there's a bank, there is an ATM (99% of the time).
Friends don't let friends drink white zinfandel.
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Packoderm
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They may be passe as far as accessing funds goes, but in my case they are used more as a decoy for those who aim to defraud me such as in the case of
the mordida. I won't have to pretend not to have any money which would likely result in a next step in the shakedown process. I'll just ask, "who do I
write the checks out to?" What's a crooked cop to say to that?
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bajabound2005
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then, can you report it as "stolen"???? or something else?
Friends don't let friends drink white zinfandel.
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Packoderm
Super Nomad
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It is unlikely that crooked cops or robbers would take traveler's checks because there will be a paper trail. Yet by having them, I hope to appear as
if I'm not hiding a stash of money elsewhere. It's not much of an inconvenience to buy them from my bank, so what can it hurt?
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rivergirl
Junior Nomad
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Registered: 10-25-2004
Location: Seiad Valley, Ca. USA
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We always take travlers checks... Surprising enough, I have used some at banks, markets & a few other businesses over the years.
I also like them as a saftey net. I would think that would work for the reason you are thinking of bringing them as they are money you just have to
go to the bank if you want to cash them so you wont seem like you are hiding anything or broke....& you are able to report them stolen. Keep a
copy of the paperwork for them with you somewhere separate from the checks and also leave a copy with a friend or at home.... That way it cant hurt if
they are lost or stolen...Meanwhile when you get home you can just cash them in...
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bajadedom
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Great way to stymie the mordida bandito...probably better than insisting to go to the station....I can see the scratching of the head or the community
discussion already!
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CaboRon
Ultra Nomad
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I havenīt used travelers cheques is over ten years... however the thought of offering them for mordida is amusing.
Sounds like a great idea.
CaboRon
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