Two Views on Checks

Regarding “Don’t Leave Home . . . “ (Letters, Dec. 15), about a couple who experienced trouble finding ATM machines in Europe with a bank symbol matching theirs.

My wife and I spent five weeks last spring traveling through Italy, France, Austria and Germany. Our travel agent suggested we bring $2,000 each in traveler’s checks. After about 10 days into the trip, we gave the ATM card a try. Without concern for bank symbols, we just put it in the nearest machine. Presto! Instant lira.

That was the last time we used the traveler’s checks. Throughout the trip in four countries and many cities, every ATM we tried worked just like they do in California.

MIKE TRAUGHBER

Agoura

Re: traveler’s checks. If someone’s idea of adventure travel is to stay in an American hotel chain in a foreign country and sightsee with a tour company’s hat and button on, then traveler’s checks might not be for you.

However, if you plan to island-hop off the coast of Southeast Asia or go anywhere off the beaten path, then you’d better have them. I have traveled throughout the world and always take traveler’s checks, a couple hundred dollars in small American cash and a credit card.

Concerning the reader who sniveled about the fee some money exchangers charge (“Check Chumps,” Letters, Jan. 12), please remember you are in a foreign country, and you need local currency. If this is your biggest problem, stay home.

BOB LAUNIUS

Channel Islands Harbor