By DAVID KING
Mr Wong may still point you to an American Express office in Singapore, but he couldn't point you to one in New Zealand anymore.
As part of a worldwide restructuring, American Express has closed its five currency exchange operations.
American Express traveller's cheques are still available from 750
banks around New Zealand.
Amex admits that there has been a decline in the traveller's cheque market in recent years, but insists the product is here to stay.
The decline in traffic through its offices coupled with tight margins in the business were part of the reason for the closures, costing 15 jobs in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
Likewise Travelex, owner of Thomas Cook Foreign Exchange, says it has noticed a decline in the market.
Vishal Virmani, Travelex area manager for New Zealand north, says: "While traveller's cheque sales have gone down, it has been a gradual decline, but it's still a very strong product for us."
The firm has changed with the times, and now offers its own debit card.
He says: "Travellers are more adventurous than they used to be.
"As a result, they are carrying more cash, but they think they can handle it."
