Foreign currency exchange is available at the main branches of any large city bank. In addition, most of the major airports have exchange desks. For the convenience of residents and visitors alike, cash machines (ATMs) throughout the state allow transactions 24 hours
a day. The best rule is to take plenty of traveler’s checks with you, and keep your credit cards ready.
Banks are generally open from 9am to 3 or 4pm on weekdays, but some keep slightly longer hours. Bank of America, one of the country’s major banks, offers foreign exchange in all its
branches. Other banks include Amsouth, SunTrust, and Wachovia National Bank, all of
which have branches through-out the state.
TRAVELER’S CHECKS
Traveler’s checks are the best way to carry money around, both for ease of use and security (lost or stolen checks can be refunded). In many instances you can use
them as if they were cash: US dollar traveler’s checks are commonly accepted in shops,
restaurants, and hotels; those issued by American Express or Thomas Cook are the most
widely recognized. Change will be given in cash; if your checks are in large denominations, be sure to ask the cashier if there is enough money in the register before you countersign on the dotted line.
To exchange your traveler’s checks into cash directly, go to a bank or exchange bureau.
Remember to inquire about commission fees before starting your transaction. All banks
cash dollar traveler’s checks, but you’ll get the best rates in a big city bank or at a private
exchange office. The latter are not common, but American Express and Travelex, for example, both have a branch in Miami and Orlando, as well as in a number of other cities
around the state.
Traveler’s checks in other currencies will be no use in shops, and only some banks and hotels will exchange them. Personal checks drawn on overseas banks, such as Eurocheques, cannot be used in Florida.
AUTOMATIC TELLER
MACHINES
Most banks in Florida have ATMs (Automatic Teller Machines) in their lobbies or in an external wall. These machines enable you to with-draw US bills, usually in $20s, from your bank or credit card account at home. Before leaving home, ask your credit card company or
bank which American ATM systems or banks will accept your bank card, and check the cost of each transaction. Make sure, too, that you have (and know) your PIN number.
The largest ATM systems are Plus and C irrus, which accept VISA and MasterCard as well
as various US bank cards. ATMs allow you 24-hour access to cash, but take care when using them in deserted areas, especially after dark; robberies are not unheard of.
CREDIT CARDS
Credit cards are a part of everyday life in Florida, as in other parts of the country.
Anyone not carrying one may have a difficult time buying items and renting a car. The most widely accepted credit cards are VISA, American Express, MasterCard, Diners Club, Japanese Credit Bureau, and Discover. Credit cards enable you to avoid having to carry around large amounts of cash and can be used to pay for everything from admission fees to hotel bills. It is also standard practice for car rental companies to take an imprint of your card as security; often the only alternative is to pay a hefty deposit in cash. Some hotels adopt the same
practice: a “phantom” sum of $200–300 may be debited for one night in a hotel. This
should be automatically restored to your credit when you check out, but it’s a good idea to remind the clerk when you leave; any delay could result in your having less credit available
on your card than you think.
Credit cards are useful in emergencies – hospitals will accept most major cards. With
MasterCard and VISA you can get cash at banks and ATMs.
DIRECTORY
Bank of America
Tel (800) 299-2265.
American Express
100 W Biscayne Blvd, Miami.
Tel (305) 358-7350; 7618 W Sand
Lake Road, Orlando.
Tel (407) 264-0104.
Travelex
1303 SE 17th St, Fort Lauderdale.
Tel (954) 766-7995; 16000
Chamberlin Pkwy, Fort Myers.
Tel (239) 561-2204.
Cirrus
Tel (800) 424-7787.
Plus
Tel (800) 843-7587.
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