For this reason, it's always a good idea to take some US cash in addition to your credit card, ATM card, and some traveler's checks. Don't forget to save some cash for food and departure taxes for the return trip. If you've run out of money and you can't get to a bank or ATM for a cash advance, there are ways for friends or relatives in the US to send you money. If you are in dire need of money, a friend or relative can send you cash through wire transfer services offered by MoneyGram. There are 26,000 MoneyGram agents throughout the world.
Common agents are grocery stores, hotels, and convenience stores.
Your friend in the US goes to a sending location, pays a fee, and gives the agent cash in the amount you need. The sender is allowed a free 10 word message and, to some locations, a free phone call to tell you the money has been sent. The money will be available for you to pick up in the foreign country at a receiving location within a short period of time. You may have to pay a fee as well. Make sure to bring ID to pick up the money.