Didn't use travellers cheques, would do in future - got robbed and money transfers after that were a pain - only because they pay out in local currency, so to restock in hard currency is difficult. Would still take reasonable amounts of cash as very flexible. Found cash machines in Rabat (morrocco), Ghana (Barclays in several places), Burkina Fasu. Bank in Chad would do advances on visa. Sudan couldn't do anything, same in Ethiopia. Kenya (Barclays), Tanzania (nothing), Malawi (nothing), Mozambique cash advances, South Africa - back to normal.
Western Union is great - found it out of necessity after couldn't transfer money from our European / Aus accounts in any other manner. Only downside is unless you have a US credit card then you have to get someone else to put the money in for you. Fast system though.
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