MONEY MATTERS
Jun 6th, 2005, 02:50 PM
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MONEY MATTERS
Dear All:
We are finally getting ready for our first trip to Europe covering Germany-the Old Romantic Road/train into Paris and then flying into Venice and Rome.
One more question - whenever we travel over to the Oreint when we use our credit card for payments the bank charges a currency conversion fee. What would be the best way for our trip to Europe. Do we bring cash and convert into Euro or travellers cheque would do the job. Please advise !
Thanks you all !
Joe Chan
We are finally getting ready for our first trip to Europe covering Germany-the Old Romantic Road/train into Paris and then flying into Venice and Rome.
One more question - whenever we travel over to the Oreint when we use our credit card for payments the bank charges a currency conversion fee. What would be the best way for our trip to Europe. Do we bring cash and convert into Euro or travellers cheque would do the job. Please advise !
Thanks you all !
Joe Chan
Jun 6th, 2005, 03:19 PM
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There is no way to not pay currency conversion fees. The banks and money changers are not charities. What I do is use my credit card if I can and use a local ATM for cash. With my bank this works out to be about the same cost to me. (With other banks it may be a bit different.) Some places are more credit card friendly than others. Exchanging cash for cash is probably the most expensive way to do it. Many people like to have some local currency prior to arrival for peace of mind. You will pay extra for this. Travelers cheques are considered old fashioned by most and are a hassle to use. That said there are people here who take some as emergency backup.
Jun 6th, 2005, 03:44 PM
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We have used ATM's for many years when traveling in Europe, Asia or anywhere else. The exchange rate is as good as you can get. (as far as I have ever heard) We try to carry the money we need for the next day or so. Never a huge sum, so can't lose too much.
I insure that I have adequate funds in checking (not savings) account tied to ATM card. We have two different banks that we use for this purpose and each of us carries a different card in case of loss or theft. That way one card will always be OK if you have to report a card lost.
We pay cash for most things and only use the CC for Hotels as a rule. That way we have minimized the opportunity for unauthorized use and the hassle that goes with clearing that up. Also, a lot less paperwork after we get back.
We used to carry Travelers Checks as a back up but have not for years. We do carry so US Dollars as a back up.
I insure that I have adequate funds in checking (not savings) account tied to ATM card. We have two different banks that we use for this purpose and each of us carries a different card in case of loss or theft. That way one card will always be OK if you have to report a card lost.
We pay cash for most things and only use the CC for Hotels as a rule. That way we have minimized the opportunity for unauthorized use and the hassle that goes with clearing that up. Also, a lot less paperwork after we get back.
We used to carry Travelers Checks as a back up but have not for years. We do carry so US Dollars as a back up.
