Best way to pay in Orlando

[Lionezz]

I now use MasterCard through my bank, and I'm happy with the currency conversion rates. My previous bank used Visa, which had much worse rates. That was actually the main reason I switched banks—too many trips to Disney World. I think the switch saved me at least $200–$300 a year.

it has been shown that Visa usually has a worse exchange rate. Normally there is a difference of 0.6% in the exchange rate between the card issuers.



Average differences between exchange rates are small. In the weekly comparison, MasterCard’s average rates were generally more favorable for U.S. consumers than Visa rates, but usually by less than 1%.

I tried other cards with no fees, but their currency exchange rates weren’t as good as my MasterCard (I havent tried Revolut).

So, if you're considering Revolut (or any other 'free' travel credit card), make sure the exchange rate is competitive, and that there are no hidden fees. For example, in Sweden, Revolut has a $1,000 limit, after which they charge an additional 0.5%. You can also only withdraw $200 in cash without fees, and the currency spread tends to be higher on weekends. Additionally, some banks seem to blacklist Revolut users because it's often associated with cryptocurrency purchases.

That said, it’s probably a good idea to have a backup card just in case something goes wrong. Let us know what you end up going with!

 

[Minniesgal]

We use a Wise account and link the wise card to apple pay

 

[meggiebeth]

I personally think it’s worth taking a small amount of US currency to have on hand in case I need to tip bell services etc, but I definitely don’t take much cash.

It’s definitely worth getting a credit card with 0% foreign currency conversion fees. Halifax Clarity is very popular. I also like having the safety net of a credit card as credit card fraud is more common in the US and credit cards offer protections that debit cards don’t.

Payment methods in the US are at least a few years behind us in the UK. When you pay in restaurants, unless you charge the meal to your Magic Band, they will take your card away from the table to swipe it and then come back, ask you to sign a receipt and add a tip. Some shops will also swipe and request a signature - no PIN needed at all. Contactless is increasingly available but is far from widely available as it is in the UK - it’s called “tap to pay” in the US rather than contactless.

Magic Bands are probably the most convenient way to pay, but otherwise I would happily pay with a card.

 

[Cyberc1978]

Have a credit or debit card that charges no foreign transaction fees. I have Chase and Wise and both work well, wth no fees and good exchange rates. And both allow to withdraw from an ATM with no fees, so don't worry to exchange money at home which will certainly cost you fees and worst rates, just pick some cash at the airport.
No need to pick up a lot of cash, as others have said, you only need it for tipping bell services and valet parking. In restaurants they'll bring you the bill with a space to add the tip (and suggested amounts), you add the amount, the total and a signature, it'll be charged to the CC.

I'm using Wise, and if you don't have the currency available in your account that you pay in, then there is a small exchange fee (its a small % of the amount you pay) its still smaller compared to most other banks.

If you have the currency available already in your account, then there is no fee.

If you take out cash at the ATM then you pay a fee if you take out more than $200 per month.

That said, some Walmarts allow you to get cash back when you pay using a credit or debit card. That's how I usually get cash.