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...Visa Debit Card seems like an amazing idea...

no prob; it is usually taken at most stores that take Visa, sometimes some have trouble processing it, but is mostly because the cashier is not properly trained in how to process them. They usually cost $~5, don't know what's the limit for them, some charge you for every little thing you do while others only charge you the first time and then for every month you don't use it after X amount of time, so if you are going the Visa GiftCard/Prepaid Card make sure you read all the rules of using it. It is much safer than carrying thousands of dollars in cash to all those places. ATM's will usually charge you some $X of Visa fee. I have used several Visa GC from my bank rewards program and it works in 90% of the places I have gone to eat or buy; I think my mother once told me she had some issues at JCP with the card I gave her and had to pay w/ her normal card.
 
If you know what area that you are going to (and therefore what store you might visit), you might just try giving them a call and asking about their cash policy. People in the forum can always speculate, or give examples about a time that they couldn't use cash once, but the staff at the store you plan to visit may be able to give a more definitive answer.
 
I would get the Visa card, and load it up with most of your money. But still keep some cash (Say, $150).

There are a lot of stores that only accept cards if above a certain amount, say $25. So if you're just buying one small thing, they'll only accept cash.


I don't know if you can use the card on an ATM, but you can anywhere else a Visa card is accepted (Online transactions, in stores, etc).
 
I guess Apple forgot to read the fine print:
This note is legal tender for all debts, public and private.

I suppose that Apple read and understood the fine print. Apple has to accept cash for payment of any debt. However, Apple has no obligation to sell you anything, and as long as they don't sell you anything, there is no debt.


For governments, not private business. Apple can choose not to accept cash if they want to.

No, they can't refuse to accept case for payment of a debt. They _can_ refuse to sell you a computer or phone, so there is no debt.
 
I think it is only during major product launches (iPhone, iPad, etc) that they don't take cash straight up. They usually will put it on a gift card though and then you buy with that. That's how it was anyway when I bought my iPhone 4.

Exactly what they made me do when I bought my iPhone 4 on launch day.
 
I would get the Visa card, and load it up with most of your money. But still keep some cash (Say, $150).

There are a lot of stores that only accept cards if above a certain amount, say $25. So if you're just buying one small thing, they'll only accept cash.


I don't know if you can use the card on an ATM, but you can anywhere else a Visa card is accepted (Online transactions, in stores, etc).

Most of the prepaid cards max out at $2k and have a max of $500 that can be loaded on them until the permanent card is issued. One of the biggest players in the US is here:

https://www.greendot.com/greendot

I'm a big cash user. I have credit cards, but seldom even carry them. That said, how manty here commenting have actually used cash in an Apple store? All the ones around here look at you like you have three heads if you pull out cash!
 
Most of the prepaid cards max out at $2k and have a max of $500 that can be loaded on them until the permanent card is issued. One of the biggest players in the US is here:

https://www.greendot.com/greendot

I'm a big cash user. I have credit cards, but seldom even carry them. That said, how manty here commenting have actually used cash in an Apple store? All the ones around here look at you like you have three heads if you pull out cash!

I know I got the 'what?' look when I paid for my iPhone with cash (no contract).
 
If your bank's Mastercard isn't always accepted, have you thought about asking for an upgrade to a World Mastercard, or going to a different bank?
 
Thanks again for all your replies and comments! I really appreciate it.

I have a clear idea on what to do now.

I know for a fact that Apple Retail Stores in Australia will accept cash payments for Macs, iPhones and iPads.

Wether or not that helps you, I don't know, but I'm assuming Apple Stores around the world all follow very similar policies.
 
Thanks again for all your replies and comments! I really appreciate it.

I have a clear idea on what to do now.

One other thought about the cash thing. If you are coming into the US with cash, lots of cash, it will trigger suspicions. If you are bringing in more than $10,000 you have to declare to it. Less than that and you don't have to declare it, but if they ask about a large wad of cash they may decide to interview you. Or refuse you entry since a large wad of cash may make it appear you do not intend to leave the country.

Better to get your credit card issue resolved and not carry so much cash.
 
One other thought about the cash thing. If you are coming into the US with cash, lots of cash, it will trigger suspicions. If you are bringing in more than $10,000 you have to declare to it. Less than that and you don't have to declare it, but if they ask about a large wad of cash they may decide to interview you. Or refuse you entry since a large wad of cash may make it appear you do not intend to leave the country.

Better to get your credit card issue resolved and not carry so much cash.



How much is a lot? I took $5,600 with me to New York a few months ago, but as customs asked nothing about it, I didnt mention it.

Not intending to leave the country? I blasted through that in 2 weeks easy :D I'm going back there soon and don't want to cause a stir in customs, I'll probably have it on my card instead, do they check how much is in my account?

As for the OP, I've only ever made small purchases with cash in Apple Stores, like an iPhone case, or a dock. Both times they accepted cash, my friend tried to buy an iPad with cash in a different Apple store and got turned away.
 
How much is a lot? I took $5,600 with me to New York a few months ago, but as customs asked nothing about it, I didnt mention it.

Not intending to leave the country? I blasted through that in 2 weeks easy :D I'm going back there soon and don't want to cause a stir in customs, I'll probably have it on my card instead, do they check how much is in my account?
...

Yeah, no need to declare less than $10k. Unless they ask. But at $10k the customs form you sign on entry requires you to declare that you are bringing $10k+ into the country. I think it's cash, bonds, and other negotiable paper. Credit cards don't count.

You never know what the immigration officers are going to be interested in. On the one hand they may want to confirm that you have enough cash/credit for you visit. If you don't have enough - in their opinion - they can deny you entry. On the other hand if you have too much then they can also deny you entry.

In the vast majority of cases it doesn't really matter since most people just get a light screening. But ... the downside is pretty down, so it pays to be paranoid when crossing the border. Most people don't realized that most of the rights they think they have don't apply at the border. You have not entered the US yet, so most of the rights accorded to visitors to the US don't apply. And of course visitors to the US aren't US citizens so the rights extended to citizens also don't apply.

The border is limbo-land ... and most people don't fully comprehend that.
 
When I'm going again I'll have roughly $3,000 after paying for my hotel, customs will think that's enough for 2 weeks right?

Don't be surprised if the hotel asks for a deposit because you're not paying with a credit card. This is in case of damages, mini bar usage, or phone/movie choices. You can always bring a credit card and pay cash when it's time to settle up.
 
Don't be surprised if the hotel asks for a deposit because you're not paying with a credit card. This is in case of damages, mini bar usage, or phone/movie choices. You can always bring a credit card and pay cash when it's time to settle up.

I'll be paying for the Hotel before I fly out.
 
One other thought about the cash thing. If you are coming into the US with cash, lots of cash, it will trigger suspicions. If you are bringing in more than $10,000 you have to declare to it. Less than that and you don't have to declare it, but if they ask about a large wad of cash they may decide to interview you. Or refuse you entry since a large wad of cash may make it appear you do not intend to leave the country.

Better to get your credit card issue resolved and not carry so much cash.

It's not my first time going to the US, so I already know about the $10k limit. And since I'm taking about $5k, I won't have to declare it. And why would I stay illegal if where I work now is making me enough money to travel every summer and spend a lot of money :D

How much is a lot? I took $5,600 with me to New York a few months ago, but as customs asked nothing about it, I didnt mention it.

Not intending to leave the country? I blasted through that in 2 weeks easy :D I'm going back there soon and don't want to cause a stir in customs, I'll probably have it on my card instead, do they check how much is in my account?

As for the OP, I've only ever made small purchases with cash in Apple Stores, like an iPhone case, or a dock. Both times they accepted cash, my friend tried to buy an iPad with cash in a different Apple store and got turned away.

I'll be carrying about $5k, and I'm staying there for about 3 weeks. Half of it will go directly on a MacBook pro plus it's accessories. then, I have a concert in Ohio. And I'm going to Cedar Point and Universal Studios. And a few more cities here and there :eek:
 
I'll be paying for the Hotel before I fly out.

Doesn't help, they want a credit card (normally) to cover stuff that you can put on a tab (the bar) or mini-bar, restaurant, laundry, whatever..

It's a real pain not having a useable credit card these days..

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I'll be carrying about $5k, and I'm staying there for about 3 weeks. Half of it will go directly on a MacBook pro plus it's accessories. then, I have a concert in Ohio. And I'm going to Cedar Point and Universal Studios. And a few more cities here and there :eek:

You're going to buy the "OLD" model?! :eek:
 
Problem is they have too much cash ! they can't handle anymore ! I think they should use some cash to speed up product development. Way too many red lights in the mac rumors buying guide section. But I guess thats just me being impatient !
 
Yep

One would think that going plastic would be safer for the convenience stores - no cash for a robber to take.

You'd think so, but they lose more in credit card processing fees, especially on numerous small transactions.
 
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