To all of you European traveling veterans:<BR><BR>We (my fiance and I) are traveling to the Germany/Austria region for our honeymoon in December. Our research has told us that the best exchange rates are through the ATM's.<BR><BR>Can anyone vouch for this? Not only that, is that the reccomended way to get cash, regardless of the exchnage rates? How does everyone handle the currencey issue?<BR><BR>Also, for those that have used the ATM's over there what can I expect as far as ease of use? Do ATM's in Germany have an English option or do I need to memorize some of the ATM jargon I'm likely to see?<BR><BR>As always, thanks for your input!<BR>W

ATM's throughout Europe are every bit as easy to use as they are in the US and Canada. They all have an English language option. In almost all cases as soon as you insert your card, a language choice comes up. Just look for the UK Union Jack which stands for English.<BR><BR>You indeed get the best exchange rates and will pay nothing to the German bank. Your bank may charge you.

A search on this topic will give you more information than you can stand.<BR><BR>Nevertheless...yes, ATM's are the best, easiest, most convenient way to get local currency. Usually the least expensive as well, but you need to check with your bank to find out what fee (if any) they will charge you per withdrawal. Regardless of what your bank tells you, the European bank will not charge you any transaction fee.<BR><BR>You should also confirm with your bank that your current ATM card will work in non-US machines. They can give you a new card if necessary.<BR><BR>Your ATM card probably has a few logos like Star or Cirrus. You need to use an ATM in Germany that has the same logo. If your bank is savvy, they can actually tell you which banks in Germany and Austria are on the same system. If not, you will figure it out pretty quickly.<BR><BR>When you put your card into the European ATM a bunch of flags will come up on the screen. Choose the British flag for English language instructions.<BR><BR>Note: You should both take your ATM cards as machines occasionally eat a card. Also take 2 credit cards and some cash just in case (maybe $100?). Some people like to get Euros before they go so they don't have to deal with the ATM the minute they land. You have to decide whether the convenience is worth the poor exchange rate you will get buying the Euros in the US. Personally, I never bother with travellers checks anymore, but some people feel more secure having a larger amount of cash in TC's. I just think they're an unnecessary hassle.<BR><BR>Have a wonderful trip!<BR>

Why do people INSIST on using an apostrophe on ATMs? It's plural, not a possessive or contraction. Get it?

You can actually go to web sites for PLUS and CIRRUS and so forth and get addresses for machines that will take your cards. You can also receive assurances from your bank that your cards will work in machines with the appropriate signs posted. Neither will be of much help to you if in fact your card does not (as mine recently did not in Italy, in spite of abundant successful previous use in the same city). You are SOL, basically.<BR><BR>So do take some cash or TC's.<BR><BR>And as for Ed(itor), contractions and possessives are not the only situations that call for an apostrophe: I was taught to use them when making an abbreviation plural.<BR><BR>

We use ATM cards only in Germany and have had no problem. <BR><BR>The one poster noted that you needed to confirm if your card would work in non-US machines. I think the only problem may be is that your card has more than a 4 digit pin. If you have more than 4 digits in your pin simply go to your bank and have them change the pin. You can do it at the bank in about 1 minute. <BR><BR>I always take some cash just in case we need it. Most trips I return with the same cash. I have not purchased travelers checks in 10 years...even on recent China trip. <BR><BR>Regarding credit cards: my wife and I never carry the same credit card when in Europe. Reason: If she gets picked we still have mine to use and vice versa. If you both carry the same card and one of you gets picked you are down to zero credit cards until your company can get you one. Carrying 2 different cards avoids the hassle. Charge all you can as that exchange rate not too bad either....even with the new fees in place that all complain about.

Hi<BR>We just got back from Hungary last week and used the ATM machines. We have been using ATMs for several years now and even in Eastern Europe they are available and with an English option. There are even machines that will acept USD and convert it to the country that you are currently in. Didn't see any this trip but we have used those in the past. It's really common and easy.<BR>Enjoy your honeymoon.<BR>alan

Home one week from central Europe. Used ATMs and credit cards without a problem. Have debit card for checking account with numeral code and my spouse has the same for a different bank. We did have a bank imposed limit for daily withdrawals. The rate of exchange to Euro was 1-1. We bank with small, local institutions and used the appropiate network in Europe. It was easy. We used an ATM every few days (or so it seemed) to supplement our cash. We found it very difficult to convert $100 bills, even in large city banks.