Is there a best card to use in Europe? Do they all have the 3% conversion fee?

Thanks

Card policies are sest by the issuerer - thus Visa cards can have all different type charges - some set by Visa some by the bank that issues them. so really you want to know what issuerers Visa card is the best - MNBA traditionally has been good but they were just bought by Bank of America yesterday. No they don't all have the 3% conversion fee. some less - some have minimum foreign exchange fees regardless of purchase amount so beware. Generally to save money get money out of ATM machines for small expenses rather than using credit card automatically. Less fees usually with ATMs but again could be per transaction so take out your limit of about $250/day if possible.

Use an atm/debit card to withdraw from the atm, rather than a credit card. Otherwise, you will be hit with the foreign conversion -and- a cash advance fee.

Based on previous threads, the credit cards that are issued by credit unions seem to be the 'last bastion' of cards that won't be assessed above the 1% VISA fee. Also, you can call USAA to get a card/account without those fees.

And you can ask your bank for a higher daily limit. I never take out less than 500 Euro in an ATM transaction, and since I have ATM cards for both the Plus and the Cirrus networks, I can, if necessary, take out 1000 Euro a day.

<b><font color="BLUE">There are a few cards that not only don't mark up the currency conversion, they don't even pass the Visa International Service Assessment through to the consumer.</font></b>

Hi Robe,

Very interesting, blue, bold - but would you mind mentioning which cards?