I think that part of your Q is about hobby money and part of your Q is about regular money.
I'll just add Traveler's Checks or, since you're going outside the US, Traveler's Cheques to the list of options. I wonder if the ladies will accept them? Serious Q in terms of anonymity: Will a legit bank issue you traveler's checks using a fake name as long as you can make a hard-to-copy signatureCurious as to the best way to make payments when away from one’s home country, specifically an American visiting England. Carry a lot of cash from home? Use a credit card (hopefully with no foreign transaction fee)? Will agencies and/or providers accept $USD and if so, is that best? Convert currency at a bank? Seems that typical ATM limitations would make using an ATM card difficult is not impossible. Thanks.
I do recall that when I was, I had no problems using my ATM card to get the local currency, and my bank even has a deal where I pay no transaction fees and I get the most favorable transaction rate.
I would use the local currency for any amorous business dealings
ATM is convenient as the exchange rate is fixed the day you withdraw the cash; great if the trend is headed your way. Avoids carrying large amounts of cash around. Check ahead of time to see if your ATM/debit card is within a network (Global ATM Alliance, for example) to ensure it's honored. Be aware of the possible fees though, rough examples are:
3% transaction fee
$5 service fee by your bank for use of an ATM not part of their alliance
$5 service fee by the foreign (local) bank that owns the ATM
$3 service fee for the location used (airport tax)
Prior to the trip you'll need to issue a travel alert to your bank so they don't lock your card. Can also have your ATM limit raised if that's necessary.
If foreign exchange rates aren't headed your way, then consider ordering currency from your local bank ahead of time at a known rate for a fee or percentage - depends on amount exchanged. Can come with a guarantee to buy back your excess currency at the same rate if you end the trip with extra funds. You'll hit the ground with local currency, but a LOT of it and long before it's needed.
My favorite is a cash advance with a corporate credit card having no fees and which won't charge interest for a certain period. Be prepared to account for the currency pulled but, so long as you pay back the bank with your own money, there's likely no reason to question you anyway. Easiest to claim you made the cash advance in case there was an issue with credit cards failing during the trip such as having a non-chip card, or if the card reader is broken. Cash is king and can avoid many questions during foreign travel.
I've never tried using a credit card with an international provider, but have done so at a German brothel without difficulty. Instead, I pay with local currency and avoid any kind of exchange rate discussions with her.
I think that part of your Q is about hobby money and part of your Q is about regular money.
I'll just add Traveler's Checks or, since you're going outside the US, Traveler's Cheques to the list of options.
I wonder if the ladies will accept them?
Serious Q in terms of anonymity: Will a legit bank issue you traveler's checks using a fake name as long as you can make a hard-to-copy signature