In researching our trip, I'm getting conflicting information on the best way to handle travel money. Some say travelers checks, but others say they can be tough to convert...ATMs are plentiful, I've been told, but what about service charges? Or is it best to travel with minimal cash and just put everything on a credit car? Thanks, as always, in advance....

I suppose if you ask two people how the weather is you'll get two different opinions. <BR> <BR>For us: <BR>1) Presuming you don't run large balances from month to month on your credit cards, hence running large interest payments, use your credit card as much as possible. <BR>2) ATMs are normally the least expensive way to get local cash for things you cant' charge. Most European ATMs don't charge fees, but your card-issuing bank may. <BR>3) We still believe in US$ traveler's checks. They're useful in emergencies, a good backup to not finding a working ATM at the wrong time, and if you belong to AAA, many credit unions, etc., they're often free. Most banks don't charge extra for changing TCs ... usually the same (or better) rate than cash to cash. <BR> <BR>More on handling your money and exchange on a trip to Europe at www.twenj.com/moneyand.htm <BR> <BR>Ed

We were in Ireland for 12 days last month. I used the ATMs for all cash I needed and my Mastercard for charges. If you are staying at b&bs, you may want to double check on payment. A few prefered to settle the bill in cash. There are atm machines everywhere...you may want a debit card thru your bank and a Visa or Mastercard with you. I had no service charges applied to any transactions.

Hi Dave, Just back from 2 weeks in Ireland today. I used my ATM card to draw money from my checking account in the states. My bank charged $2 per withdrawal. They charge the same fee in the states if I do not withdraw from one of their branches. Easier than stopping and cashing travelers checks into punts. To do this you also pay a nominal fee. I carried travelers checks for a back up just in case but returned with all of them. Used my credit card for lodging (all of the B&Bs we stayed in accepted a credit card)and some purchases. ATMs are readily accessible in all cities and fortunately I had no difficulties. Received all money and all receipts.

hi all, just got back fom 3 weeks in germany,france,finland , and sweden...used atms everywhere without problems, withdrawing cash from my chequing account at home in canada...almost all places took amex, all but one took visa , but some of the smaller restaurants only accepted cash..and atms were easy to find in every town we visited

no doubt about it, the best exchange rate is atm's and credit cards. take traveler's checks just in case you have a problem with atm's, which occasionally happens. or your credit cards and atm card is stolen---as mine was last month.

But be sure to check that your credit card companies aren't charging an extra percentage for charges in foreign currency. Many US cards add an additional 2% to the normal 1% charge. If you get only the 1% charge, the rates with credit cards are the best. Also check your bank to find out how much they will charge you to make withdrawals from foreign banks. We were charged $3 per withdrawal which was only problematic when some Italian ATMs allowed only small withdrawals (of about $200) so we had to withdraw several times.

Remember Amex is often refused in Europe (due to high charges)