I wonder if anyone who had been to europe had this problem : what were the currencies that you've changed if your trip involves in 4 or more countries? Do you changed all into pounds? francs? or a mixture of everything?

Beginning in 2002, one currency - - the euro - - will serve you in 15 (or is it 12?) different countries. But until then, you should be prepared to buy currency - - at least a little - - for each country you plan to visit. <BR> <BR>For most purchases, a credit card is an excellent way to make purchases without exchanging a lot of cash into the currency of that country. Your credit card will be charged in the local currency, but your credit card company will automatically bill you at the most favorable possible exchange rate in your OWN currency. <BR> <BR>Best wishes, <BR> <BR>Rex <BR>

Rex! A credit card??? And pay the cash advance fees?? Non, non! <BR> <BR>The ATM (cash machine, Josh - not sure where you're writing from) is the way to go. Visit www.travlang.com for an up-to-date exchange rate for your various countries just before you go. You can print out a handy chart (less than the size of a file card). I did this for our three countries last month, and taped them in a small pocket notebook. I made a total of eight different cash machine withdrawals (perhaps we're lucky, our bank fees were only $1 per)...and each of them was within $2 of what I thought I was taking out in local currency. Have a great time.

OOOPs! apologies, Rex. I just re-read your post and see you were advising a credit card for purchases, NOT as a means to get cash. And that, of course, is the smart thing to do, wherever possible. However...it seems a lot more places (than used to) have minimums before accepting a credit card, so it's often useless for smaller purchases. ATM's are still the way to go for walking-around money.

Yes, arjay, we agree, an ATM card for cash withdrawals; credit cards for purchases. <BR> <BR>I suspect that Joshua is going on a tour, and will primarily have personal shopping and some meals, for which he will need local currency. Just wanted to let him know that many restaurants and shops will take his credit card for such expenditures, and that using a credit card makes more sense that exchanging his cash into local currency to pay with local cash for meals and (larger) purchases of gifts and the like. <BR>

The coming of the Euro is good news for travelers who have been forced to contend with a myriad of currencies and conversion rates up until now. Unfortunately, the Euro is not in street circulation yet so the pitfalls of gaping spreads, commissions and fees that have made currency exchange the racket that it is today are still around for the time being. <BR> <BR>If you'd like some "walking around money" before you arrive at the continent, a very convenient site to obtain it is: https://www.oanda.com/fxdelivery/ . For an $8 delivery fee plus a bit of a beating on the exchange rate, you can have foreign currency delivered to your door in the U.S. within a couple of days via Federal Express. I don't recommend trading large amounts this way since it's not a swell deal. On the other hand, it can look like a bargain compared to some of the outrageous poundings you will take at those international airport currency exchange booths. Even rates that look good on the street signs often feature commissions and fees that turn fair-looking deals into a rip-off by the time you have your money in hand. I've used this service when facing the multiple currency situation you describe. There is a $200 minimum order, but that is aggregate for all the different currencies you order. There is free 2nd day shipping on orders of $500 or more -- way too much at stake to be losing on the rate for an individual, but if you have a group of people with the same problem and you can pool your small cash needs, it might be worth it to you as a SERVICE. <BR> <BR>The very best way to secure foreign currency on the ground in Europe is with a network-member bank card, such as Cirrus network. I've yet to have a machine fail to accept my card and the exchange rate is the best you'll receive. There has been much ado lately about many cards tacking on a fee for this service. That's not great news, but it is fairly small potatoes in the broad scheme of things, (to me -- not everyone). On most purchases, I agree that credit cards are the way to go. For everyday use, hotels, etc., my choice is American Express. They have local offices on hand and I regard them as the very best when it comes to international travel support. Now if THAT doesn't start an argument here, I'm going to think there really is hope for world peace! LOL! <BR>

Just my opinion, but, the different currencies and exchange rates are partially what makes a traveler, plus you get to collect all of those interesting bills for your collection. <BR>

If you are going to a city that has a AmEx office, and you get them for free from your bank take travelers cheques. I just returned from Paris, the official rate of exchange was 7.2 F to the dollar. At AmEx I received 6.9. As an example our hotel was offering 6. They are also safer to carry than cash or cards. I also found the same favourable rates in Italy and Spain. That is my humble opinion.

7.2 francs to the dollar? wooh boy, is that good. Last time we were in Paris, it was about 6 francs.... better start practicing my French, oui? <BR>I am always so thrilled(I need to get a life, I think) when I put in my cash card and receive franc, lira. pounds etc. I always needle my husband ley me make the transaction

The spouse and I distinctly recall coming across several places (we were travelling in the NL, Belgium and France) that did NOT accept American Express. Visa/Mastercard seem to be much more widely accepted. But i would reiterate - there were minimum amounts required for credit card use almost everywhere (usually in the neighborhood of $10 US, I think). So a little local cash is pretty necessary. <BR>We arrived last month in Amsterdam with not one cent of foreign currency. Just hit the cash machine straight-off. (And you'd best look twice....in Brugge, at the railroad station, I thought my card wouldn't work in the machine - turns out it was an automated ticket machine, not a cash dispenser!)

Right you are, arjay, and I should have been more clear. The Amex is for hotels, restaurants, etc., while a Visa/MC is for ATMs and those places that do not accept Amex.