I have a question about this - What countries are you taking about and what banks? Abroad would seem to imply worldwide. If this is what you mean it is false information or as some would say here, bogus.

Nikki on Jun 3, 11 at 7:30am
(the ATMs abroad do not impose a fee for the use of foreign cards, all fees are imposed by your own bank).

Sorry motorino, my post may not have been clear to all.

I am 100% certain that when I use a BofA partner bank...in Europe...

no per-transaction fee
no % forex fee
exact interbank exchange rate

I don't know what country in Europe you are going to, but a few years ago my parents went to France. They had a couple of US 100-dollar bills left from an earlier trip to somewhere else and thought they would exchange them in France. The banks refused to do it. Not sure if it was because the bills were too large or too old. They tried a number of places.

Use an ATM instead. Unless you are going to really small or out-of-the-way places there will be ATMs everywhere.

>>>>I have a question about this - What countries are you taking about and what banks? Abroad would seem to imply worldwide. If this is what you mean it is false information or as some would say here, bogus.<<<<

Since the OP asked about Europe, it's safe to assume we are talking about Europe. Nothing misleading about Nikki's post. European banks are not charging these fees. It's your US bank that is tacking them on as you can see from my chart link.

The chart does not cover every type of account at every bank listed so there can be a bit a variation. It's still a good guideline and is always linked on the hard core travel sites (such as flyertalk) when people ask about ATM's. I'm not sure Schwab is still offering the account Nikki has.

From B of A website:

What are the fees for using a Debit Card or ATM card in a foreign country?
Show Answer: What are the fees for using a Debit Card or ATM card in a foreign country?

Withdrawals, transfers, payments and balance inquiries made at ATMs in foreign countries outside the Global ATM Alliance, China Construction Bank, or Banco Santander will be charged a $5 Non-Bank of America International ATM fee.
In addition, an International Transaction Fee may be charged for ATM card and Debit Card transactions made for ATM cash withdrawals in currency other than U.S. dollars, regardless. The International Transaction Fee will be 1% of the U.S. dollar amount for each converted ATM cash withdrawal. This International Transaction Fee will appear as a separate item on your banking statement for each international transaction.

Yeah I think B of A will soak me at least 1% below the international rate. I recall they said more for purchases. The whole marriage to ATM cards is new to me, as I have almost always used cash to exchange. I don't feel so good about trusting a plastic card, in case a machine eats it etc. But I respect that ATM cards will likely give a better deal than an airport cash exchange service. I did find an online website currency-express.com and they seem to offer good rates for cash. We'll see. I am going to take about $2000 with me, along with Amex and two visa ATM. I don't like to be left hanging. OK thanks again. Any other feedback appreciated.