Credit Cards, Cash, ATM's?
May 27th, 2002, 09:59 AM
#1
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Credit Cards, Cash, ATM's?
We leave for France in two days and have been told to take very little cash, but use ATM machines to get cash as we go. We also heard that the fees to use the ATM's are high. We will be spending the first 5 days in Paris then touring the provences for the next 2 weeks. Will we be able to use Visa credit cards in the country and have access to ATM's for cash it the fees don't kill us? Or is there an advantage to taking Traveler's checks?
May 27th, 2002, 10:06 AM
#2
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Everytime we go to Europe we seem to have the best luck with using Visa for everything we can and then using ATMs for daily cash needs. The rate I get on the exchange on my Visa is better than cash and the fee I pay for each ATM is about $1.50 each but still beats the exchange rate for cash at banks. I last used travelers checks in 1991. I never use my Visa for a cash advance as the fees kill you.
May 27th, 2002, 10:08 AM
#3
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I have found traveler's checks to cost so much more in lousy conversion fees and time wasted in finding places to cash them. ATMs are definitely the way to go. Also, take credit cards for big purchases and always some standy by travelers checks just in case. When using ATM, go for the most you can debit (usually limit of $300 per day unless you prearrange with your bank). The fee is the same whether you take out the most or equivalent of $20. My credit union only charges $1 and you get the bank's wholesale rate...which is so much better than travelers checks. You can do a search on this site for much more information. ATMs are everywhere. Have a great time!
