RCCGB FORUM Message Board for Members of the Roller Coaster Club of Great Britain to discuss club events and all things theme park related.    FAQ   Search   Memberlist   Usergroups   Join! (free) >   Profile   Log in to check your private messages   Log in  USA 2009 - UPDATES Page Previous  1, 2, 3, 4  Next          RCCGB FORUM Forum Index -> USA Trips View previous topic :: View next topic   Author Message reg Junior Hyper Poster Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Posts: 130 Location: Swindon Posted: Fri Apr 10, 2009 6:11 am    Post subject: I've just applied for one of these. Hopefully it will be more accepted than the Amex preloaded card I used in New York last year, which was about as much use a wet fish. _________________ 319 coasters: Steel 251 Wood 68 Park Count: 78 #1 Woodie - Shivering Timbers, Michigan Adv. #1 Steel - Expedition Ge Force, Holiday Park. First Public Ride on The Voyage! Part of the TTD Roll Back club!! Back to top frosty Strata Poster Joined: 21 Jan 2008 Posts: 430 Location: London Posted: Fri Apr 10, 2009 8:38 am    Post subject: Are there cash points in all parks? _________________ Steve Member of 'non rollback' Stratacoaster club 06/08. Back to top amigasat Junior Poster Joined: 09 Oct 2007 Posts: 80 Location: Haltwhistle, Centre of Britain Posted: Fri Apr 10, 2009 2:29 pm    Post subject: reg wrote: Hopefully it will be more accepted than the Amex preloaded card I used in New York last year, which was about as much use a wet fish. The card is accepted everywhere a Mastercard is accepted so it'll be hard to find somewhere it isn't accepted. frosty wrote: Are there cash points in all parks? There are cash points available in most Theme Parks, they are everywhere in the states! Dave _________________ www.amigasat.eu/trips2009.html Next Trip : Early 2010 Coming soon Muskegon 2010 Back to top reg Junior Hyper Poster Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Posts: 130 Location: Swindon Posted: Sat Apr 11, 2009 3:37 am    Post subject: frosty wrote: Are there cash points in all parks? Most of them will have a cash point, but don't forget most will charge for a foreign card, and you'll get a worse exchange rate as well. _________________ 319 coasters: Steel 251 Wood 68 Park Count: 78 #1 Woodie - Shivering Timbers, Michigan Adv. #1 Steel - Expedition Ge Force, Holiday Park. First Public Ride on The Voyage! Part of the TTD Roll Back club!! Back to top frosty Strata Poster Joined: 21 Jan 2008 Posts: 430 Location: London Posted: Sat Apr 11, 2009 8:53 am    Post subject: reg wrote: frosty wrote: Are there cash points in all parks? Most of them will have a cash point, but don't forget most will charge for a foreign card, and you'll get a worse exchange rate as well. Yes for normal cards, but apparently there's no extra charge for caxton and similar cards and the rate you get is what you had when loading the card. I've got quite a few US dollars left from last  time but I need to sort out funds for canada. Taking a card with loaded US/Can dollars sounds great as long as you can use the card in the parks we go to. _________________ Steve Member of 'non rollback' Stratacoaster club 06/08. Back to top USfriends Hyper Poster Joined: 03 Oct 2007 Posts: 292 Location: Seattle, WA USA Posted: Mon Apr 13, 2009 2:54 am    Post subject: You can get cash back at your beloved WAL-MART without any fees when you make a debit purchase (using a pin number). Usually petrol stations can do it too. I noticed that some of the hotels have cash point machines, but they usually have a fee tied to the machine of around $1-$3. _________________ Yankee Freeloader  Pete Rollback Queen  Lisa Back to top Death Strata Poster Joined: 10 Oct 2007 Posts: 2526 Location: Farnborough, UK Posted: Mon Apr 13, 2009 11:48 am    Post subject: USfriends wrote: You can get cash back at your beloved WAL-MART without any fees when you make a debit purchase (using a pin number). Usually petrol stations can do it too. A lot of outlets over here offer that facility as well. Strangely enough though, I still couldn't get cash-back at Target stores with my Visa-based card when I went there. Thus, I was pretty much tied to Citibank and Bank of America for the most part. USfriends wrote: I noticed that some of the hotels have cash point machines, but they usually have a fee tied to the machine of around $1-$3 I presume ye've never used a hotel ATM in Las Vegas then? I was going to try using one at one point because I needed a bit of cash to buy lunch - But when I saw the charge warning come up on the screen, I decided to think again...$22.50 charge for a $100 widthdrawl?!?!? In the end, it worked out $18.50 cheaper for me to catch a Deuce bus over to Fremont St, and use the machines at the Bank of America branch there insted! _________________ DieselDragon.co.uk - Deaths cluttered catacomb o' random stuff. Find me elsewhere! Back to top Magic Site Admin Joined: 21 Sep 2007 Posts: 706 Location: Hampshire Posted: Mon Apr 13, 2009 2:44 pm    Post subject: Death, I suspect the high charge in Vegas casinos is to discourage people from getting more money to lose while trying to chase their losses. I know casinos want their clients to lose as much money as possible BUT they still have a moral obligation.  Personally I think the casinos are being sensible. _________________ RCCGB Membership Number 1915 www.coastertouring.com Roller Coaster videos and much more. http://vimeo.com/channels/coastertouring NEW VIDEO: September 2009 Prater Park Back to top Andy Hine MBE RCCGB Chairman Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Posts: 480 Location: Seat 3, Phoenix, Knoebels Posted: Wed Apr 15, 2009 3:11 pm    Post subject: To everyone on the USA trip who is at the Blackpool Bash this weekend - please can you stay behind after lunch for a quick update and Q&A session. Thanks _________________ Andy Hine is also known as NEV! RCCGB - THE Club for trips! UNITING COASTER ENTHUSIASTS SINCE 1988 [/url] Back to top frosty Strata Poster Joined: 21 Jan 2008 Posts: 430 Location: London Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2009 7:53 pm    Post subject: The 'final letter' arrived today. About 6 weeks to go - can't wait _________________ Steve Member of 'non rollback' Stratacoaster club 06/08. Back to top amigasat Junior Poster Joined: 09 Oct 2007 Posts: 80 Location: Haltwhistle, Centre of Britain Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2009 8:30 pm    Post subject: Got mine today too!     Dave _________________ www.amigasat.eu/trips2009.html Next Trip : Early 2010 Coming soon Muskegon 2010 Back to top reg Junior Hyper Poster Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Posts: 130 Location: Swindon Posted: Fri Apr 24, 2009 3:50 am    Post subject: Got mine as well! Getting excited now, have not been on a USA trip for what seems like ages!! Has only been 2 years though. ) _________________ 319 coasters: Steel 251 Wood 68 Park Count: 78 #1 Woodie - Shivering Timbers, Michigan Adv. #1 Steel - Expedition Ge Force, Holiday Park. First Public Ride on The Voyage! Part of the TTD Roll Back club!! Back to top USfriends Hyper Poster Joined: 03 Oct 2007 Posts: 292 Location: Seattle, WA USA Posted: Sat Apr 25, 2009 3:21 am    Post subject: Made it to the US of A today ! Really stoked to see everybody!! _________________ Yankee Freeloader  Pete Rollback Queen  Lisa Back to top frosty Strata Poster Joined: 21 Jan 2008 Posts: 430 Location: London Posted: Sat Apr 25, 2009 9:28 am    Post subject: USfriends wrote: Made it to the US of A today ! Really stoked to see everybody!! Be great to see you both again - even if you do get more rollbacks than most _________________ Steve Member of 'non rollback' Stratacoaster club 06/08. Back to top Coaster Police Tech Support Joined: 02 Oct 2007 Posts: 617 Location: Poole Posted: Sat Apr 25, 2009 2:12 pm    Post subject: Has anyone looked into USA cell phone SIM cards? I've found one for $19 which includes $10 credit. So long as you have a phone with compatible band coverage (most do these days), it could be a much better way of communicating amongst ourselves when we're out there. Past years have clearly shown that we do send a good number of TXT's when we all get lost in Parks. I usually send a TXT to Ryan within 5 minutes of arriving at the hotel of the day, because he's usually found the nearest bar, so i get a location report. http://www.telestial.com/view_product.php?ID=LSIM-US04 This one doesn't seem bad, as the card doesn't expire until after 9 months of non-use. Most blow up in 30/60/90 days unless you re-credit it. (I recall a bunch of us last year roaming round Wal-Mart looking for a good deal, but everything expired after a month which was pants so we didn't bother!) Anyone got any thoughts, or seen a better deal? Thanx Appended:- Actually, having researched this some more, it looks really cool. You also get a free International Calling Card (at the Checkout Process which i explored - which is a bonus). The rates are really good... to call home, it's $0.59 for the first minute, then $0.09 a minute after.. thats great compared to UK roaming rates. It's also got a cool feature if you want it called Travel Journal.... seems to automatically plot where you are and creates you a google map of your travels from where you use the phone, so you can let family & freinds back home know where you are, and add reports, pictures etc. Not sure exactly how it all works yet (i'll find out!), but it's a cool feature if you want it. I think i'm going to order one. It will need you to have an UNLOCKED mobile phone in order to use the SIM in though. - Most phones can be unlocked by calling your provider if it's out of it's contract term, or from the dodgy guy in the high street usually for a fiver, or online. I have a spare nokia (my old one from before last upgrade), so i'll simply take both. Sounds like a plan to me, as my bill was over £150 last year for random phone use during the trip. At least this way, we get a cheaper way of communicating amongst each other on the trip. _________________ Matt RCCGB Webmaster + Member of the "First to be denied SAW by Technical Failure" club. Back to top Andy Hine MBE RCCGB Chairman Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Posts: 480 Location: Seat 3, Phoenix, Knoebels Posted: Sat Apr 25, 2009 5:24 pm    Post subject: HOTEL UPDATE As you know I'm always trying to improve trips, and so two of the hotels on the forthcoming USA trip have been upgraded (at no extra charge to you!): June 9th - Wingate Inn (is now out!) and replaced by, Country Inn & Suites, 1125 Village Drive, Millville NJ 08332.  Tel. 856 825-3100 Restaurants - PaperWaiter (on site), TGI Fridays Outdoor pool Shopping Mall - 2 miles Miles to Wilwood - 4 miles Wal-Mart - 3 miles June 12th-13th - La Quinta Inn (is now out!) and replaced by The Hampton Inn, 2168 Poquonock Avenue, Windsor, Connecticut, 06095.  Tel. 860 683-1118 Restaurants - Skyline Restaurant, Wendy's, Ruby Tuesdays, Italian Corner, Friendly's & Skooters Indoor pool Miles to Lake Compounce - 28 Miles to Six Flags New England - 8 Wal-Mart - 5 miles _________________ Andy Hine is also known as NEV! RCCGB - THE Club for trips! UNITING COASTER ENTHUSIASTS SINCE 1988 [/url] Back to top c anderson Hyper Poster Joined: 31 Oct 2007 Posts: 274 Location: Ashford Posted: Sat Apr 25, 2009 5:51 pm    Post subject: Good changes, especially the Hampton Inn _________________ Regards C Anderson Back to top USfriends Hyper Poster Joined: 03 Oct 2007 Posts: 292 Location: Seattle, WA USA Posted: Sat Apr 25, 2009 7:30 pm    Post subject: The letter with Atlantic city info says we will arrive about 9pm on the 9th of June and depart Thurs. the 11th.  Is that off by 1 day? Since we will be at this hotel on the 9th?... "June 9th - Wingate Inn (is now out!) and replaced by, Country Inn & Suites, 1125 Village Drive, Millville NJ 08332.  Tel. 856 825-3100 " _________________ Yankee Freeloader  Pete Rollback Queen  Lisa Back to top Andy Hine MBE RCCGB Chairman Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Posts: 480 Location: Seat 3, Phoenix, Knoebels Posted: Sat Apr 25, 2009 8:31 pm    Post subject: Oops, my mistake. Well spotted. Yes, we are at Six Flags America on Tuesday 9th, the during the day on Wednesday 10th we are at Wildwood, then roll into Atlantic City on the Wednesday evening (10th), staying that night and the following night (Thur 11th). We then leave AC on Friday morning. Sorry!   _________________ Andy Hine is also known as NEV! RCCGB - THE Club for trips! UNITING COASTER ENTHUSIASTS SINCE 1988 [/url] Back to top frosty Strata Poster Joined: 21 Jan 2008 Posts: 430 Location: London Posted: Sun Apr 26, 2009 5:09 pm    Post subject: Governments around the world have imposed health checks at airports to try and stop the spread of a flu epidemic that has seen many fatalities in Mexico, the US and now other parts of the world. It's likely the alert level will soon be raised to try and counter it's spread. With only 6 weeks to go to the trip I wonder how this may affect things. _________________ Steve Member of 'non rollback' Stratacoaster club 06/08. Last edited by frosty on Mon Apr 27, 2009 8:09 am; edited 1 time in total Back to top nemesis scribe Moderator Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Posts: 726 Location: Birmingham Posted: Sun Apr 26, 2009 5:27 pm    Post subject: frosty wrote: I wonder how this may affect things. It means its sqweeaky bum time for us   Lets hope it gets sorted ASAP   _________________ RCCGB Club Member #1908 Back to top USfriends Hyper Poster Joined: 03 Oct 2007 Posts: 292 Location: Seattle, WA USA Posted: Mon Apr 27, 2009 5:05 am    Post subject: " The man with the rubber glove was surprisingly gentle"   ... Ace Ventura _________________ Yankee Freeloader  Pete Rollback Queen  Lisa Back to top Coaster Police Tech Support Joined: 02 Oct 2007 Posts: 617 Location: Poole Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2009 6:57 pm    Post subject: Coaster Police wrote: Has anyone looked into USA cell phone SIM cards? I've found one for $19 which includes $10 credit. So long as you have a phone with compatible band coverage (most do these days), it could be a much better way of communicating amongst ourselves when we're out there. Past years have clearly shown that we do send a good number of TXT's when we all get lost in Parks. I usually send a TXT to Ryan within 5 minutes of arriving at the hotel of the day, because he's usually found the nearest bar, so i get a location report. http://www.telestial.com/view_product.php?ID=LSIM-US04 This one doesn't seem bad, as the card doesn't expire until after 9 months of non-use. Most blow up in 30/60/90 days unless you re-credit it. (I recall a bunch of us last year roaming round Wal-Mart looking for a good deal, but everything expired after a month which was pants so we didn't bother!) Anyone got any thoughts, or seen a better deal? Thanx Appended:- Actually, having researched this some more, it looks really cool. You also get a free International Calling Card (at the Checkout Process which i explored - which is a bonus). The rates are really good... to call home, it's $0.59 for the first minute, then $0.09 a minute after.. thats great compared to UK roaming rates. It's also got a cool feature if you want it called Travel Journal.... seems to automatically plot where you are and creates you a google map of your travels from where you use the phone, so you can let family & freinds back home know where you are, and add reports, pictures etc. Not sure exactly how it all works yet (i'll find out!), but it's a cool feature if you want it. I think i'm going to order one. It will need you to have an UNLOCKED mobile phone in order to use the SIM in though. - Most phones can be unlocked by calling your provider if it's out of it's contract term, or from the dodgy guy in the high street usually for a fiver, or online. I have a spare nokia (my old one from before last upgrade), so i'll simply take both. Sounds like a plan to me, as my bill was over £150 last year for random phone use during the trip. At least this way, we get a cheaper way of communicating amongst each other on the trip. Well i've ordered mine! I have done some comparisons, and even with Vodafone ICS (International Call Saver) I would pay £1.10 per minute to call the UK, or other UK mobiles e.g. others on the trip. It's £1.29 without ICS, and texts are about 35p each too. The tariff for this SIM is only $0.59 for the first minute of call, and then $0.09 for following minutes to call the UK. There is a similar tariff for incoming, but it's still cheaper than UK mobiles roaming rate. Texts are cheaper too. So I guess i'll have a US number for the duration of the trip. As i have said, you need to check that your phone is unlocked in order to use a different SIM. I have a spare phone which I will use, but it's easy to get them unlocked... just phone your provider and explain that you are needing to use a foreign SIM on your travels, or go to an unlock website such as www.nokiafree.org and there are ways to unlock them. So i've worked out for $19 for the SIM which includes $10 credit, thats a bargain really Hope it helps, if you need more info, PM me. _________________ Matt RCCGB Webmaster + Member of the "First to be denied SAW by Technical Failure" club. Back to top frosty Strata Poster Joined: 21 Jan 2008 Posts: 430 Location: London Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2009 8:30 pm    Post subject: I'm in the process of getting my phone unlocked by O2 - cost £10. It seems for a K800i fiddling and patching firmware is the only alternative than a code directly from the operator. When that's done I'll order a sim as this seems a good deal. _________________ Steve Member of 'non rollback' Stratacoaster club 06/08. Back to top nemesis scribe Moderator Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Posts: 726 Location: Birmingham Posted: Wed Apr 29, 2009 7:58 am    Post subject: USfriends wrote: " The man with the rubber glove was surprisingly gentle"   ... Ace Ventura . . . I've heard that rumour   Anyhow Pete, howe many drinks do you owe me for all your lost seahawk bets??   _________________ RCCGB Club Member #1908 Back to top Andy Hine MBE RCCGB Chairman Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Posts: 480 Location: Seat 3, Phoenix, Knoebels Posted: Wed Apr 29, 2009 10:43 am    Post subject: frosty wrote: Governments around the world have imposed health checks at airports to try and stop the spread of a flu epidemic that has seen many fatalities in Mexico, the US and now other parts of the world. It's likely the alert level will soon be raised to try and counter it's spread. With only 6 weeks to go to the trip I wonder how this may affect things. Well I've just heard that we should be ok as long as we don't come out in any rashers before the trip.  If you do, I will have some oinkment with me, and if all else fails I'll call you an hambulance!   Incidentally I just won a trip to Mexico - straight up, I'm not telling porkies!  Can't go though - i'm pig sick!   _________________ Andy Hine is also known as NEV! RCCGB - THE Club for trips! UNITING COASTER ENTHUSIASTS SINCE 1988 [/url] Back to top coaster-andy Mega Poster Joined: 01 Oct 2007 Posts: 382 Location: Crick ,Northants Posted: Wed Apr 29, 2009 3:42 pm    Post subject: Andy Hine MBE wrote: frosty wrote: Governments around the world have imposed health checks at airports to try and stop the spread of a flu epidemic that has seen many fatalities in Mexico, the US and now other parts of the world. It's likely the alert level will soon be raised to try and counter it's spread. With only 6 weeks to go to the trip I wonder how this may affect things. Well I've just heard that we should be ok as long as we don't come out in any rashers before the trip.  If you do, I will have some oinkment with me, and if all else fails I'll call you an hambulance!   Incidentally I just won a trip to Mexico - straight up, I'm not telling porkies!  Can't go though - i'm pig sick!   That was the joke of the day I cannot stop laughing.       _________________ Memeber of the 08 Top Thrill Rollback Club +  Member of the "First to be denied SAW by Technical Failure" club. A member of 2009 charity rider 100 times on Megefobia Back to top c anderson Hyper Poster Joined: 31 Oct 2007 Posts: 274 Location: Ashford Posted: Wed Apr 29, 2009 4:16 pm    Post subject: Swine flu will not stop us, if it was sheep flu then a certain Welsh person would have trouble, Rattling with the shakes. _________________ Regards C Anderson Back to top Coaster Police Tech Support Joined: 02 Oct 2007 Posts: 617 Location: Poole Posted: Wed Apr 29, 2009 7:03 pm    Post subject: If the H1N1 strain of swine flu and the avian flu (commonly known as bird flu) get mixed up... does that mean we will have flying pig flu???   _________________ Matt RCCGB Webmaster + Member of the "First to be denied SAW by Technical Failure" club. Back to top Rogue Strata Poster Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Posts: 3865 Posted: Wed Apr 29, 2009 7:08 pm    Post subject: Doesn't alcohol kill germs.....the way I see it all you guys need to do is keep your alcohol levels up and swine flu germs can't get you   _________________ Rachel Membership Number 2210a "Don't stop me now, I'm having such a good time" Back to top nemesis scribe Moderator Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Posts: 726 Location: Birmingham Posted: Sat May 02, 2009 12:16 pm    Post subject: Coaster Police wrote: Coaster Police wrote: Has anyone looked into USA cell phone SIM cards? I've found one for $19 which includes $10 credit. So long as you have a phone with compatible band coverage (most do these days), it could be a much better way of communicating amongst ourselves when we're out there. Past years have clearly shown that we do send a good number of TXT's when we all get lost in Parks. I usually send a TXT to Ryan within 5 minutes of arriving at the hotel of the day, because he's usually found the nearest bar, so i get a location report. http://www.telestial.com/view_product.php?ID=LSIM-US04 This one doesn't seem bad, as the card doesn't expire until after 9 months of non-use. Most blow up in 30/60/90 days unless you re-credit it. (I recall a bunch of us last year roaming round Wal-Mart looking for a good deal, but everything expired after a month which was pants so we didn't bother!) Anyone got any thoughts, or seen a better deal? Thanx Appended:- Actually, having researched this some more, it looks really cool. You also get a free International Calling Card (at the Checkout Process which i explored - which is a bonus). The rates are really good... to call home, it's $0.59 for the first minute, then $0.09 a minute after.. thats great compared to UK roaming rates. It's also got a cool feature if you want it called Travel Journal.... seems to automatically plot where you are and creates you a google map of your travels from where you use the phone, so you can let family & freinds back home know where you are, and add reports, pictures etc. Not sure exactly how it all works yet (i'll find out!), but it's a cool feature if you want it. I think i'm going to order one. It will need you to have an UNLOCKED mobile phone in order to use the SIM in though. - Most phones can be unlocked by calling your provider if it's out of it's contract term, or from the dodgy guy in the high street usually for a fiver, or online. I have a spare nokia (my old one from before last upgrade), so i'll simply take both. Sounds like a plan to me, as my bill was over £150 last year for random phone use during the trip. At least this way, we get a cheaper way of communicating amongst each other on the trip. Well i've ordered mine! I have done some comparisons, and even with Vodafone ICS (International Call Saver) I would pay £1.10 per minute to call the UK, or other UK mobiles e.g. others on the trip. It's £1.29 without ICS, and texts are about 35p each too. The tariff for this SIM is only $0.59 for the first minute of call, and then $0.09 for following minutes to call the UK. There is a similar tariff for incoming, but it's still cheaper than UK mobiles roaming rate. Texts are cheaper too. So I guess i'll have a US number for the duration of the trip. As i have said, you need to check that your phone is unlocked in order to use a different SIM. I have a spare phone which I will use, but it's easy to get them unlocked... just phone your provider and explain that you are needing to use a foreign SIM on your travels, or go to an unlock website such as www.nokiafree.org and there are ways to unlock them. So i've worked out for $19 for the SIM which includes $10 credit, thats a bargain really Hope it helps, if you need more info, PM me. After reading this, i think i shall purchase one of these SIM cards too. I have an unlocked phone that is Tri - band so that should work. Cheers for the info Matt   _________________ RCCGB Club Member #1908 Back to top nemesis scribe Moderator Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Posts: 726 Location: Birmingham Posted: Sat May 02, 2009 12:51 pm    Post subject: Right, my current phone is Dual Band (GSM 900 & GSM 1800) so would i be right in assuming this SIM card wont work as it works on GSM 850 & 1900. Would my old tri band phone still work though?? _________________ RCCGB Club Member #1908 Back to top Coaster Police Tech Support Joined: 02 Oct 2007 Posts: 617 Location: Poole Posted: Sat May 02, 2009 4:46 pm    Post subject: Should do... just go to the manufacturer website, put in the model number and look at the technical specifications. I got my SIM through today - well impressed with the service (albeit being sent from the UK) _________________ Matt RCCGB Webmaster + Member of the "First to be denied SAW by Technical Failure" club. Back to top frosty Strata Poster Joined: 21 Jan 2008 Posts: 430 Location: London Posted: Mon May 04, 2009 4:45 pm    Post subject: Coaster Police wrote: The tariff for this SIM is only $0.59 for the first minute of call, and then $0.09 for following minutes to call the UK. There is a similar tariff for incoming, but it's still cheaper than UK mobiles roaming rate. Texts are cheaper too. Calls to the UK seem to be a bit more than this - if I understand the airtime rate information correctly then calls to the UK have a $0.75/min surcharge and to UK mobiles an additional $0.35 on top of that. But I may be reading it wrong _________________ Steve Member of 'non rollback' Stratacoaster club 06/08. Back to top krusty_the_clown Site Admin Joined: 22 Sep 2007 Posts: 317 Posted: Mon May 04, 2009 4:55 pm    Post subject: Coaster Police wrote: Hi, I know some people were asking about these at the SAW-Ted trip, so i'd thought I post details incase anyones interested. These are pre-paid currency cards. I.E. instead of taking bundles of cash over (or old fashioned travellers cheques which can be a pain in the behind to cash sometimes), you buy these in advance and pre-load them. They act like debit cards and have all the usual features such as Chip & PIN, Cashpoint withdrawl etc. and have the Visa/Mastercard logo on, so you can use them everywhere, in froth shops / restaurants etc. I use one from FairFX.com, but there's also one from Caxton FX (links below). The exchange rate you get is always better than if you changed currency in the high street. The cards are free subject to a minimum initial load of £500 (about right for a 2 week USA trip). Any money you don't use up, you can either keep on the card until next time, or get refunded back to your account. (I still have $200 from last year which i got at 2.xx exchange rate on mine ) If you run out of cash on it while you are away... a quick twiddle with the internet (or a phone call) and you can be chinged up in 20 minutes again. You can read all the details on the website from the links below. They also do Euro ones if you do trips to Europe alot. http://www.fairfx.com/ https://www.caxtonfxcard.com/ I usually find the rate is marginally better offered by FairFX, however, if you call them, they will rate match - so they are much of a muchness. All the info you need should be on the websites. I totally reccomend them and I have the FairFX one, as i think the card looks nicer Matt, on Fair fax it states that there is a charge for cash withdrawals? are you aware of this or is the site wrong, I thought it was free? Cash Withdrawal Fees £1/€1.5/$2 per ATM withdrawals in the UK and overseas Back to top reg Junior Hyper Poster Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Posts: 130 Location: Swindon Posted: Mon May 04, 2009 5:19 pm    Post subject: There is also a charge of $3 on the Caxton FX card, which I wasn't aware of. It's well hidden in the terms and conditions when you sign up. Had I known, I might not have bothered with it. Will just have to make sure I have ample cash. I think I'll be taking some travelers cheques too. _________________ 319 coasters: Steel 251 Wood 68 Park Count: 78 #1 Woodie - Shivering Timbers, Michigan Adv. #1 Steel - Expedition Ge Force, Holiday Park. First Public Ride on The Voyage! Part of the TTD Roll Back club!! Back to top Andy Hine MBE RCCGB Chairman Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Posts: 480 Location: Seat 3, Phoenix, Knoebels Posted: Mon May 04, 2009 7:15 pm    Post subject: These are the CAXTONFX charges: Transaction Fees • No charge when used overseas (£1.50 when used in the UK) Cash withdrawal Fees • $3.00 per overseas ATM withdrawal • 2% of the withdrawal amount for International over-the-counter cash advances Balance Enquiry • No charge online • No charge per call to balance enquiry line (0845 222 2639)** • No charge by SMS* Top-up fees • Internet Debit Card Load – No charge • SMS Debit Card Load – No charge* • Telephone Debit Card Load - No charge** * Note that your mobile phone operator may charge you the cost of sending an SMS message, subject to your contract with the operator. ** Note that calls to our customer services line are subject to the charges levied on you by your phone network operator. So I would say, load it up with plenty of dollars and then use it as a debit card for all purchase - thus NO CHARGES!   Also, some UK ATM's charge you £1.00-£2.00 for cash withdrawals so $3 is not a rip-off charge. _________________ Andy Hine is also known as NEV! RCCGB - THE Club for trips! UNITING COASTER ENTHUSIASTS SINCE 1988 [/url] Back to top Coaster Police Tech Support Joined: 02 Oct 2007 Posts: 617 Location: Poole Posted: Mon May 04, 2009 8:09 pm    Post subject: krusty_the_clown wrote: Matt, on Fair fax it states that there is a charge for cash withdrawals? are you aware of this or is the site wrong, I thought it was free? Cash Withdrawal Fees £1/€1.5/$2 per ATM withdrawals in the UK and overseas Yes, i am aware of this. I rarely use it for cashpoint withdrawls (only when i run out of beer vouchers), i normally use my card for normal shopping. However, you don't get screwed on the exchange rate as you've already got the dollars. _________________ Matt RCCGB Webmaster + Member of the "First to be denied SAW by Technical Failure" club. Back to top Coaster Police Tech Support Joined: 02 Oct 2007 Posts: 617 Location: Poole Posted: Mon May 04, 2009 8:23 pm    Post subject: frosty wrote: Calls to the UK seem to be a bit more than this - if I understand the airtime rate information correctly then calls to the UK have a $0.75/min surcharge and to UK mobiles an additional $0.35 on top of that. But I may be reading it wrong I think you have read it wrong. If you read it, and follow the link, the surcharge is described as follows... United Kingdom (+4484), United Kingdom (+4487), United Kingdom (+449) Those are 084xx 087xx and 09xxx UK numbers. (Local/National/Premium) rate numbers, hence the surcharge. They are the only UK numbers listed. Normal numbers are not effected. As the UK is not listed by itself, I would presume the $0.35 surcharge is not applicable. BUT, even if it was it would still only be $0.44 per minute (after the first minute), which is still better than Vodafone at £1.10 per minute + VAT (And thats my discounted rate!!!!) I guess you have to check the small print yourself, i'm only putting here how i read it.... I am doing this and just letting people know it's here as an option if you think it looks good - i'm just trying to save myself ending up with a stupid Vodafone bill again. _________________ Matt RCCGB Webmaster + Member of the "First to be denied SAW by Technical Failure" club. Back to top c anderson Hyper Poster Joined: 31 Oct 2007 Posts: 274 Location: Ashford Posted: Wed May 06, 2009 5:43 am    Post subject: Well, only a month to go and we will be at the airport (with our passports) ready for the USA, cannot wait _________________ Regards C Anderson Back to top frosty Strata Poster Joined: 21 Jan 2008 Posts: 430 Location: London Posted: Wed May 06, 2009 9:26 am    Post subject: I had quite a bit of US currency left from last year so I've topped that up and I now have my first ever Canadian currency. Just a month to go I received Nev's follow-up mailing yesterday and it got me wondering about the special t-shirts - are they ultra luminescent or something _________________ Steve Member of 'non rollback' Stratacoaster club 06/08. Back to top USfriends Hyper Poster Joined: 03 Oct 2007 Posts: 292 Location: Seattle, WA USA Posted: Wed May 06, 2009 12:58 pm    Post subject: Will we get any more ERS details, or will it remain a secret? _________________ Yankee Freeloader  Pete Rollback Queen  Lisa Back to top ccp Junior Poster Joined: 01 Oct 2007 Posts: 64 Location: Earth Posted: Wed May 06, 2009 2:54 pm    Post subject: I received Nev's follow-up mailing yesterday and it got me wondering about the special t-shirts - are they ultra luminescent or something [/quote]        will probably have a glow in the dark yellow line...looking forward to doing some extreme ironing sat night ! ! !.. Lol...chris Back to top Andy Hine MBE RCCGB Chairman Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Posts: 480 Location: Seat 3, Phoenix, Knoebels Posted: Wed May 06, 2009 3:56 pm    Post subject: USfriends wrote: Will we get any more ERS details, or will it remain a secret? Can you keep a secret? _________________ Andy Hine is also known as NEV! RCCGB - THE Club for trips! UNITING COASTER ENTHUSIASTS SINCE 1988 [/url] Back to top nemesis scribe Moderator Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Posts: 726 Location: Birmingham Posted: Wed May 06, 2009 4:01 pm    Post subject: Andy Hine MBE wrote: USfriends wrote: Will we get any more ERS details, or will it remain a secret? Can you keep a secret? No, so tell us   _________________ RCCGB Club Member #1908 Back to top butler Moderator Joined: 24 Sep 2007 Posts: 741 Location: Ilford, Essex Posted: Wed May 06, 2009 4:38 pm    Post subject: Dont'tell them Nev. Keep them guessing _________________ Member of the "First to be denied SAW by Technical Failure" club Back to top frosty Strata Poster Joined: 21 Jan 2008 Posts: 430 Location: London Posted: Wed May 06, 2009 4:59 pm    Post subject: We'll we all be held up coming back through UK customs due to a luminous light emanating from all our cases _________________ Steve Member of 'non rollback' Stratacoaster club 06/08. Back to top c anderson Hyper Poster Joined: 31 Oct 2007 Posts: 274 Location: Ashford Posted: Wed May 06, 2009 5:42 pm    Post subject: Nev would not have been able to get the trip T shirts into the UK owing to the Radioactive Substances Act 1993 (really going for the glow). Just joking (I hope) _________________ Regards C Anderson Back to top Andy Hine MBE RCCGB Chairman Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Posts: 480 Location: Seat 3, Phoenix, Knoebels Posted: Thu May 07, 2009 9:00 am    Post subject: Radioactive! haha! Not a bad guess though! Just got the movie list from BA for our flight:- The Pink Panther 2 Watchmen Milk The International Last Chance Harvey Confessions of a Shopaholic Anvil! The Story of Anvil The Tales of Despereaux The White Countess Race to Witch Mountain Fracture And when we come home:- He's Just Not That into You Gran Torino In The Loop Franklyn Bride Wars Valkyrie Phoebe in Wonderland Hotel for Dogs Spiderman 2 Coraline A Beautiful Mind PASSPORTS! _________________ Andy Hine is also known as NEV! RCCGB - THE Club for trips! UNITING COASTER ENTHUSIASTS SINCE 1988 [/url] Back to top Magic Site Admin Joined: 21 Sep 2007 Posts: 706 Location: Hampshire Posted: Thu May 07, 2009 10:02 am    Post subject: if it's not radio active then perhaps it has non ionising radiation. You've got a better list of films than my flight this month. Will have watched everything on my iPod before I even land. _________________ RCCGB Membership Number 1915 www.coastertouring.com Roller Coaster videos and much more. http://vimeo.com/channels/coastertouring NEW VIDEO: September 2009 Prater Park Back to top Display posts from previous: All Posts1 Day7 Days2 Weeks1 Month3 Months6 Months1 Year Oldest FirstNewest First         RCCGB FORUM Forum Index -> USA Trips All times are GMT Page Previous  1, 2, 3, 4  Next Page 2 of 4   Jump to: Select a forum RCCGB News and Information----------------Welcome to the RCCGB members' message boardRCCGB NewsMessage Board NewsRCCGB website updatesMerchandiseAIRtime MagazineNew Members RCCGB Trips----------------UK TripsUSA TripsEurope TripsClub Trip Reports Theme Park News and Rumours----------------UK Park NewsWorldwide Park NewsFun Fair and Travelling Ride NewsPark and Ride pollsTelevision and Radio AlertsTheme Park Discounts Members' Trips----------------Trip PlanningTrip Reports Off Topic----------------Anything GoesMembers AnnouncementsFun and GamesPolls for whateverJokesWeblinksGeneral Freebies and Special Offers  You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum Card File  Gallery  Forum Archive Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2005 phpBB Group