Best way to get Euros while in Paris and Pounds in England
May 11th, 2010, 03:32 PM
#41
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One last point, be sure to check with your bank that your PIN number will work. In my experience, many ATMs in Europe will only accept 4-5 digit PINs, so if your PIN number is longer than that you could have a problem.
On the rest I agree, have 50-100 euro in hand before departure, use ATMs for the rest of the cash, and use credit cards for meals and hotels.
On the rest I agree, have 50-100 euro in hand before departure, use ATMs for the rest of the cash, and use credit cards for meals and hotels.
May 12th, 2010, 02:46 AM
#42
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TPAYT,
I have been doing it the same way for years. I stay for up to 6 weeks. Take about 800 euros, which my local AAA orders for me..cheaper than my bank. For that small amount the small difference in the rate is what I consider the fee for my convenience. I have about 200 euros for next trip left over.
I use Capital One card for most everything..no transaction fees. I hope you use the Cap one, too. Only one with no transaction fees.
Everyone can do it their way, whatever suits them.
Joan
I have been doing it the same way for years. I stay for up to 6 weeks. Take about 800 euros, which my local AAA orders for me..cheaper than my bank. For that small amount the small difference in the rate is what I consider the fee for my convenience. I have about 200 euros for next trip left over.
I use Capital One card for most everything..no transaction fees. I hope you use the Cap one, too. Only one with no transaction fees.
Everyone can do it their way, whatever suits them.
Joan
May 12th, 2010, 03:31 AM
#43
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I'm getting to this topic on the late side, but allow me to add my actual experience the last couple of weeks in Paris with a bank issued credit and debit card. BofA MC charged us a 3% transaction fee. On debit card purchases (MC issued), we have paid a 1% fee (2/10 of 1% currency exchange fee plus 8/10 of 1% as a cross boarder fee). The best approach for us was getting money from the ATM daily (we used BNP Paribas). They charged only 8/10 of 1% cross boarder fee and no ATM fee, with no mark up in the Euro from what is quoted in the newspapers daily.
Lastly, we agree with previous posters to bring 200E with you from a previous trip. In the haze of arriving from the USA over night you will not want the hassle of finding money for a bus/cab etc. Bottom line suggestion, all banks et al charge differently so within the first couple of days in Europe do a tranaction using all three of the above approaches, then look at your account online and you will see what is best for your stay.
Lastly, we agree with previous posters to bring 200E with you from a previous trip. In the haze of arriving from the USA over night you will not want the hassle of finding money for a bus/cab etc. Bottom line suggestion, all banks et al charge differently so within the first couple of days in Europe do a tranaction using all three of the above approaches, then look at your account online and you will see what is best for your stay.
May 12th, 2010, 03:46 AM
#44
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winesipper,
There are so many ways of doing it, and whatever works best for each is the way to go.
I'm very comfortable paying a small fee for just taking all the cash I need...which is small for the length of time that I stay!
For those fearful of having excess cash. I carry very little cash when wandering. Leave it back in apt.in safe, if I even do that!
If you are drving throughout France, that is a different story. Need more cash!
This has been my way for many years and I see no reason to make a change in it, for me.
Joan
There are so many ways of doing it, and whatever works best for each is the way to go.
I'm very comfortable paying a small fee for just taking all the cash I need...which is small for the length of time that I stay!
For those fearful of having excess cash. I carry very little cash when wandering. Leave it back in apt.in safe, if I even do that!
If you are drving throughout France, that is a different story. Need more cash!
This has been my way for many years and I see no reason to make a change in it, for me.
Joan
May 12th, 2010, 06:08 AM
#45
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You certainly do learn lots about your fellow humans on this forum!
I am, shall we say, quite comfortably off, and I never carry more than $100 US. In my entire life, I have only had a $100 bill about twice!
I wouldn't carry 800 cash in any currency. No wonder some of you are so worried about getting pickpocketed or burgled. Thieves go where the money is, and if they think you have 800 (euros, pounds, dollars, or renminbi) they will target you and people who look like you.
I am, shall we say, quite comfortably off, and I never carry more than $100 US. In my entire life, I have only had a $100 bill about twice!
I wouldn't carry 800 cash in any currency. No wonder some of you are so worried about getting pickpocketed or burgled. Thieves go where the money is, and if they think you have 800 (euros, pounds, dollars, or renminbi) they will target you and people who look like you.
May 12th, 2010, 06:21 AM
#46
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djkbooks on May 11, 10 at 11:03am
<<Unfortunately, many don't bother to ask and just charge you in your home country currency, at an exchange rate that is very favorable to them and unfavorable to you.>>
You can easily tell by the amount on the slip you're given to sign...
If it's not correct, refuse to sign and insist that the transaction be deleted and redone.
-----------------------------------------
Sounds easy, but it doesn't always work that way in real life. You can end up in a big argument and possibly even a shouting and shoving match. We did get one merchant to cancel the charge--after wasting 15 minutes or so arguing back and forth with him holding onto our credit card. He then refused to accept the card and I paid in cash.
Another merchant held both our credit card and our merchandise while we went back and forth for a long time. It got rather loud--finally I wrote notes on the credit card slip and got out of there. I have protested this one, and the credit card company withheld payment to the merchant and is investigating.
<<Unfortunately, many don't bother to ask and just charge you in your home country currency, at an exchange rate that is very favorable to them and unfavorable to you.>>
You can easily tell by the amount on the slip you're given to sign...
If it's not correct, refuse to sign and insist that the transaction be deleted and redone.
-----------------------------------------
Sounds easy, but it doesn't always work that way in real life. You can end up in a big argument and possibly even a shouting and shoving match. We did get one merchant to cancel the charge--after wasting 15 minutes or so arguing back and forth with him holding onto our credit card. He then refused to accept the card and I paid in cash.
Another merchant held both our credit card and our merchandise while we went back and forth for a long time. It got rather loud--finally I wrote notes on the credit card slip and got out of there. I have protested this one, and the credit card company withheld payment to the merchant and is investigating.
May 12th, 2010, 08:42 AM
#47
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Ackslander,
I don't worry in the least with my 800 euros that I regularly take with me to Paris! I don't use those fanny belts or neck things, either! When in Paris, I do not carry much cash around with me, as I don't need much cash. I mainly use my Capital One card, but also have a couple others.
It's pretty much whatever you feel comfortable with that is the best for you. I am very comfortable with what I have been doing for so long.
Joan
I don't worry in the least with my 800 euros that I regularly take with me to Paris! I don't use those fanny belts or neck things, either! When in Paris, I do not carry much cash around with me, as I don't need much cash. I mainly use my Capital One card, but also have a couple others.
It's pretty much whatever you feel comfortable with that is the best for you. I am very comfortable with what I have been doing for so long.
Joan
May 12th, 2010, 08:55 AM
#48
gracejoan has posted her practice lots of times. It works fine for her and she is happy w/ the advantages/disadvantages. But for most people -- there are better/cheaper/more secure ways to go.
(this will probably start a spat which is not my intent. It does work for her. It just isn't the best option for most travelers IMO and shouldn't be recommended to folks asking what's best.)
(this will probably start a spat which is not my intent. It does work for her. It just isn't the best option for most travelers IMO and shouldn't be recommended to folks asking what's best.)
May 12th, 2010, 09:37 AM
#49
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janisj
no spat, but certainly no disadvantages..unless you call my $5 -$10 extra for obtaining my euros in US to be a disadvantage! If I could not afford that small cost, I shouldn't even be thinking of taking the trip.
I do not tell people which way they should/should not do it. I usually say that most use the ATM's, that I do not, when telling how I do it. It is then their choice, and only their choice in how they want to do it. I do know that some have chosen to do it the same. Whatever works best for each individual..none is the only/ best way to do it for all! To each his own!
Joan
no spat, but certainly no disadvantages..unless you call my $5 -$10 extra for obtaining my euros in US to be a disadvantage! If I could not afford that small cost, I shouldn't even be thinking of taking the trip.
I do not tell people which way they should/should not do it. I usually say that most use the ATM's, that I do not, when telling how I do it. It is then their choice, and only their choice in how they want to do it. I do know that some have chosen to do it the same. Whatever works best for each individual..none is the only/ best way to do it for all! To each his own!
Joan
May 12th, 2010, 09:39 AM
#50
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I'll be sticking in excess of 1,500euros in my purse when I leave for Paris in July. I'm not worried about loosing it because I'm careful and get it into a safe a.s.a.p. at the hotel. Like Joan, never carry the whole amount around - just what I need for the day. The reason I personally feel more comfortable paying my hotel bills, restaurants etc., with cash is I then don't have to pour over my credit card statement to see if I've been ripped off by being charged twice or even paid for someone elses bill! Trying to find a cash machine can be a pain at times especially when they don't want to process......
May 12th, 2010, 11:06 AM
#51
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<<It maybe cost us $70 or so more to change Euros at home.>>
I'd rather spend that $70 in Paris or wherever, and get cash from the ATM when I land, which I've been doing twice a year for more than ten years. I've never had a problem getting local currency in any country (Morocco, Egypt, Turkey ...), but one time the ATM in the arrivals area at CDG was not working. I simply asked at an Air France desk where the next one was and went there -- very easy even after a night flight. My credit union charges $1.00 per withdrawal with no conversion fee, so not a big expense.
However, I do take a few hundred dollars just in case there is a problem at the airport but I've never needed to use it.
I'd rather spend that $70 in Paris or wherever, and get cash from the ATM when I land, which I've been doing twice a year for more than ten years. I've never had a problem getting local currency in any country (Morocco, Egypt, Turkey ...), but one time the ATM in the arrivals area at CDG was not working. I simply asked at an Air France desk where the next one was and went there -- very easy even after a night flight. My credit union charges $1.00 per withdrawal with no conversion fee, so not a big expense.
However, I do take a few hundred dollars just in case there is a problem at the airport but I've never needed to use it.
May 12th, 2010, 11:27 AM
#52
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I'm not sure if I'll understand people who get large amounts of foreign cash before travelling. With the profusions of ATMs worldwide, and especially in Europe, there is no need to have cash....as much as there is no need to have Canadian $ on hand when travelling to Canada.
Convenience, low coast, good exchange rates, no need to worry about safekeeping,etc...And I've not heard stories of any more prevalence of credit card overcharging in Europe versus home.
Convenience, low coast, good exchange rates, no need to worry about safekeeping,etc...And I've not heard stories of any more prevalence of credit card overcharging in Europe versus home.
May 12th, 2010, 02:04 PM
#53
tod: "<i>The reason I personally feel more comfortable paying my hotel bills, restaurants etc., with cash is I then don't have to pour over my credit card statement to see if I've been ripped off by being charged twice or even paid for someone elses bill! Trying to find a cash machine can be a pain at times especially when they don't want to process......</i>"
Paying cash is a great idea. I use mostly cash and reserve my cc for bigger purchases, car rental etc. It is just the <u>source</u> of the cash we disagree about. IME, ATMs are much more common in most European cities than in the US. In my large-ish city it can be many blocks between banks/ATMs and you often have to seek out a supermarket to find a machine.
In London, Paris wherever -- there are cash points <u>everywhere</u>, often 4 or 5 on one block. W/ the convenience and cost savings, using ATMs is the very VERY best way for <u>most</u> travelers.
You and gracejoan do your own things and none of us will convince you otherwise/nor should we. Which is totally OK. Absolutely. But I personally think you should not recommend that for others. You've worked out what works for <u>you</u>, but that wouldn't work for most folks.
Paying cash is a great idea. I use mostly cash and reserve my cc for bigger purchases, car rental etc. It is just the <u>source</u> of the cash we disagree about. IME, ATMs are much more common in most European cities than in the US. In my large-ish city it can be many blocks between banks/ATMs and you often have to seek out a supermarket to find a machine.
In London, Paris wherever -- there are cash points <u>everywhere</u>, often 4 or 5 on one block. W/ the convenience and cost savings, using ATMs is the very VERY best way for <u>most</u> travelers.
You and gracejoan do your own things and none of us will convince you otherwise/nor should we. Which is totally OK. Absolutely. But I personally think you should not recommend that for others. You've worked out what works for <u>you</u>, but that wouldn't work for most folks.
May 12th, 2010, 02:29 PM
#54
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janisj,
You still have not understood..I do not recommend things. When asked different ways of doing things, I tell them how others may do things and how I may do things the same, or differently. The same for hotels, restaurants etc. You can tell them how you liked them, but they may not be for the ones who are asking. I newver tell anyone that any one way is the best way. I do not believe others should do so, either. I think it is best to provide information as asked and then let that person make their own decision..I think it would be best for all to do that.
Joan
You still have not understood..I do not recommend things. When asked different ways of doing things, I tell them how others may do things and how I may do things the same, or differently. The same for hotels, restaurants etc. You can tell them how you liked them, but they may not be for the ones who are asking. I newver tell anyone that any one way is the best way. I do not believe others should do so, either. I think it is best to provide information as asked and then let that person make their own decision..I think it would be best for all to do that.
Joan
May 13th, 2010, 02:26 AM
#55
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Janisj - No dear heart, I did not recommend NancygB goes my route....just said what I do when travelling.
We also have a totally different set of rules imposed upon South Africans when travelling. There is no such thing as walking into a bank here and asking for foreign currency unless you have your airticket, passport and utility bill with you - and not before 60 days of departure.
Now the credit card - You are supposed to obtain a letter from the bank to clear you of exchange control before you can use your card as funds when travelling abroad. If I were to rely on a credit card alone I would need this letter to obtain a visa.
(They also want 3 months Bank statements,otherwise No Visa!)
All this mucking about takes time so I just take our local currency (swallow hard) and buy some euros, tuck my credit card away for back-up and hope I don't have to use it.
It seems NancygB is not tethered to these stringent measures so could quite happily get all the cash she needs from the many ATM's.
We also have a totally different set of rules imposed upon South Africans when travelling. There is no such thing as walking into a bank here and asking for foreign currency unless you have your airticket, passport and utility bill with you - and not before 60 days of departure.
Now the credit card - You are supposed to obtain a letter from the bank to clear you of exchange control before you can use your card as funds when travelling abroad. If I were to rely on a credit card alone I would need this letter to obtain a visa.
(They also want 3 months Bank statements,otherwise No Visa!)
All this mucking about takes time so I just take our local currency (swallow hard) and buy some euros, tuck my credit card away for back-up and hope I don't have to use it.
It seems NancygB is not tethered to these stringent measures so could quite happily get all the cash she needs from the many ATM's.
May 13th, 2010, 03:23 AM
#57
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we just got back, so this is our actual experience.
We used ATMs for cash. they truly are ubiquitous. We would get enough for a day or two.
We used cc whenever it was over a certain amount (40E or something).
We used the Schwab credit card and their ATM card. benefits include 2% cash back on cc purchases. No fees (ie 2% transaction fee). We also used a different credit card once or twice, so when I get my bills, I'll go through and do a comparison.
No way, no how would I carry 1500 euros or even 800 euros. The risk of carrying that much cash is way too much for me. I would be heartbroken if something happened (I think it would ruin my vacation).
We used ATMs for cash. they truly are ubiquitous. We would get enough for a day or two.
We used cc whenever it was over a certain amount (40E or something).
We used the Schwab credit card and their ATM card. benefits include 2% cash back on cc purchases. No fees (ie 2% transaction fee). We also used a different credit card once or twice, so when I get my bills, I'll go through and do a comparison.
No way, no how would I carry 1500 euros or even 800 euros. The risk of carrying that much cash is way too much for me. I would be heartbroken if something happened (I think it would ruin my vacation).
May 13th, 2010, 04:04 AM
#58
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It is interesting how we view different things as risky...
I view carrying cash as risky.
Others view depending on ATM's as risky.
Regardless, we do what works for our travel style and comfort level. However, people should be aware with technology and advanced planning the old 'carry traveler's checks' advice is extremely outdated.
I view carrying cash as risky.
Others view depending on ATM's as risky.
Regardless, we do what works for our travel style and comfort level. However, people should be aware with technology and advanced planning the old 'carry traveler's checks' advice is extremely outdated.
May 13th, 2010, 06:27 AM
#59
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surfmom, read my post again. I said that I locked the money in the hotel safe - take just what I need for a day, (say around 200euros which should see us through dinner as well).
I'll be the first to admit that anyone walking around with ALL their cash is running the risk of loosing it.
I'll be the first to admit that anyone walking around with ALL their cash is running the risk of loosing it.
May 13th, 2010, 06:36 AM
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tod, I get it that you are not carrying it around daily... but you are carrying it on the plane, in transport, etc. I would be extremely nervous carrying that much cash while traveling - even if not daily.
I don't know what you pay in advance to transfer $ to Euros, but I bet you pay a lot for that 'convenience'. (what I see as risk).
We each view it differently - what is risky - and that is fine. I believe you are taking unnecessary risks and you believe that I'm too trusting of finding ATMs. We all need to determine what we are comfortable with given our own travel personality and risk level.
I don't know what you pay in advance to transfer $ to Euros, but I bet you pay a lot for that 'convenience'. (what I see as risk).
We each view it differently - what is risky - and that is fine. I believe you are taking unnecessary risks and you believe that I'm too trusting of finding ATMs. We all need to determine what we are comfortable with given our own travel personality and risk level.
