I think that's good advice and I'm glad I chose to take it on a recent trip. My ATM card failed me (for reasons still unknown) so having that initial cash was a life saver. I used AAA TipPacks instead of going to my local bank, though. Since I'm a AAA member, there were no high fees attached.

PalenQ - all the banks were already drained of cash by people who got there before me!!! I followed "reports" about it on the aol travel forum for several days before we departed for France. That's how I found out that we needed to bring Euros from the US.

Stu Dudley

I always carry travelers cheques as a back up but i guess that would not work if the banks were of out money so you have something to think about

at least some euros for spending money though credit cards can be used for any substantial purchase.

good tip - frequent travelers always bring some euros back from their trip to use the next year and thank God for the euro or else you'd have to carry currency for each country.

>> credit cards can be used for any substantial purchase.<<

Not for the rent & deposit on the Gite we were staying in. In 100% of the 25 or so different gites we've stayed in, they only take cash for security deposits. Gites are either rented through the Gites-de-France booking office for the department, or directly from the proprietor. In this case the gite was rented from the proprietor (we didn't have a choice on this). He only took cash or a check in Euros.

Stu Dudley

"I used AAA TipPacks instead of going to my local bank, though. Since I'm a AAA member, there were no high fees attached."

I'm assuming then, that you don't consider something like a 7% conversion fee a "high fee"???

don't know if this is a good place to post this, but sites like XE.com provide a nice service to pay off high outstanding deposits, such as hotel rooms which require cash. you can wire the money or EFT transfer at the best international rate. fees are nominal, 12 USD for wire transfer and EFT is free. I assume they make money by trading currency at large volumes just below rates. nevertheless it works and is a very nice option. unfortunately you cannot exchange cash with them. the only send money bank to bank.