Hello,

   I was in your shoes about ...oh a week ago 
with my first con. being fanime.  

   I did bring some cash...but I found that most 
(more than 90%) took credit cards.  If you are 
interested in Nadesico cels...I saw some and 
they were priced around 1000-1500 (for Ruri).  
And I certainly wouldn't want to lug that around!  
    
    Another heads up about cons is -- I intially 
thought that they would be cheaper (save 
shipping)...but you may get taxed...so 
depending on the cel price and the tax (was 
1.08 in cali)...you can pay much more than 
online.  

   The good thing tho...is you get to see the 
cels rather than a scan (which may hide line 
fadding and other defects).  Also, dealers put 
out more selection than they do online.  I saw 
so many beautiful cels...it was nice just to 
look. ^^/  

   Hope this was helpful.  

joyka (yeah! first real contribution to a 
question!)