Frommer's Kauai - Jeanette Foster [43]
TRAVELER’S CHECKS
Traveler’s checks are something of an anachronism from the days before the ATM made cash accessible at any time. Traveler’s checks used to be the only sound alternative to traveling with dangerously large amounts of cash. They were as reliable as currency but, unlike cash, they could be replaced if lost or stolen.
These days, traveler’s checks are less necessary because most cities have 24-hour ATMs that allow you to withdraw small amounts of cash as needed. However, keep in mind that you will likely be charged an ATM withdrawal fee if the bank is not your own, so if you’re withdrawing money every day, you might be better off with traveler’s checks—provided that you don’t mind showing identification every time you want to cash one.
You can get traveler’s checks at almost any bank. American Express offers denominations of $20, $50, $100, $500, and (for cardholders only) $1,000. You’ll pay a service charge ranging from 1% to 4%. You can also get American Express traveler’s checks over the phone by calling 80 0/221-7282; Amex gold and platinum cardholders who use this number are exempt from the 1% fee.
Visa offers traveler’s checks at Citibank locations nationwide, as well as at several other banks. The service charge ranges between 1.5% and 2%; checks come in denominations of $20, $50, $100, $500, and $1,000. Call 80 0/732-1322 for information. AAA members can obtain checks without a fee at most AAA offices. MasterCard also offers traveler’s checks. Call 80 0/223-9920 for a location near you.
If you choose to carry traveler’s checks, be sure to keep a record of their serial numbers separate from your checks in the event that they are stolen or lost. You’ll get a refund faster if you know the numbers.
What to Do If Your Luggage Is Delayed or (Gasp!) Lost
You’re standing at the luggage carousel, watching the same baggage go round and round when you realize there are no more bags being unloaded and your bag is not there.
The first thing is not to panic; most bags are delivered to their destination within 24 to 48 hours. Here are some tips to help you and your bag get reunited as soon as possible.
• Have your name and destination address both outside and inside your luggage. At least you’ll have a fighting chance of being contacted if your bag is tagged with where your bag is going (not just your home address, but the address of your hotel/condo in Hawaii, with a contact phone number). While you’re at it, get rid of all the old airline baggage tags to other destinations.
• Know where the lost baggage claim counter is for your airline. While you are waiting for your luggage, make sure you know where you will have to go to file a claim; that way you can be the first in line if your bag did not arrive. If you flew on more than one airline, always go to the last airline you flew on; they are the ones to start processing your claim.
• To wait or not to wait for the next flight. The lost luggage claims desk loves to tell people: “Oh, your bag will be in on the next flight.” Smile, and politely ask them if they have proof that the bag is in the system and booked on that flight. If they can’t guarantee it, you might want to proceed to your destination, rather than wait around the airport in hopes that the suitcase “might” be on the next flight.
• Before you leave the airport (without your bag), be sure to get the following: a copy of your lost luggage claim form, the phone number to call to check on your luggage, an estimate on when they will have more information on when your bag will arrive, and what you should do if your bag does not arrive.
• If your bag is lost, don’t expect the airlines to write you a check for $2,800 on the spot. You will have to make a list of what was in your bags