cooncat

We'll be in Paris for 7 days. I was going to buy some euros here for the metro, etc. and then just use my ATM card. Is that dumb? I just hate messing with traveler's checks!
Thanks!

Patrick

Some would say the only "dumb" part of that plan is buying some euros here before you go as those will cost you more than the ones you get in Paris with your ATM, but since we're only talking a few dollars and if having them makes you "feel better" than go ahead and do that.
No one should be calling you "dumb" for dumping the archaic idea of carrying traveler's checks.

bookchick

I'm totally with Patrick on this one. I also like to have a few Euros on me when I arrive, in case the airport ATM is non-functional at that time. But my ATM card is my primary source for cash when I'm in Europe, and I wouldn't be without it!

Bon Voyage,
BC

cooncat

Cool! Here's a real dumb question: Can I exchange francs over there? I still have some from 1999!

Patrick

Only at the National Bank of France, but yes. (They may no longer exchange coins, that option was due to expire recently, but I'm not sure when).

Patrick

By the way, this is a really dumb question -- why do you think these important questions you're asking are dumb?

rex

I certinly agree with Patrick;s characterization: "the archaic idea of carrying traveler's checks."

I can only think of one defensible use of traveler's checks (and I have had this need) - - when you are responsible for others, and might face the possibility (no matter how improbable) that you will have to do emergency problem-solving (medical, legal, whatever), cash still talks. And carrying a month's salary (but not to exceed $10,000 USD if you are a US citizen, leaving the country) in traveler's checks might mean the difference in your ability to get what is needed... for example... for someone else's child.

Best wishes,

Rex

cooncat

Patrick - It's been so long since I've been to France - I guess I wasn't sure about the currency thing. I was just a bit embarrased to ask! I have paper francs! Woohoo!

Thanks again! (Since I've got you here,. anythoughts on the hotel suez vs the hotle du lys? My preference is Suez for price, but the du lys seems like it might be quieter? Thanks again!

zbjoon

Interesting post. I have always wondered if people take travelers checks with them. I always carry travelers checks just in case. This is just for emergency purposes if all failed. There is a low probability that there will be any need to use them but I feel safer.
It is also a lot more convenient to pay the little bit of the penalty and have the currency of the country for the first day pocket money.

RufusTFirefly

Why not more than $10,000?

crefloors

I've always taken about 300.00 in travelers checks...US currency..just in case my cards get lost, don't work, some other snafu. I've never had to use them and I have either just re-deposited to my account or used up at the grocery store when I got home. I'm in the minority here, but it just makes ME feel better.

rex

There are US regulations about carrying more than $10,000 cash or cash equivalents out of the country (assuming you want to be a law-abiding citizen). Of course, in the scenario I described, I think that each traveler could carry up to $10,000. Don't know what are the legal ramifications if the travelers are part of the same family.

eliztrav

Any time you "mess around" with (ie, move) $10,000 or more, Uncle Sam will be looking over your shoulder. In the US or outside it.

I always carry some travellers checks with me, just in case. Nearly always use some of it, but never all of it. A nice, simple "low tech" safeguard.

Keith

My low tech safeguard is 2 or 3 $100 bills tucked away.

For those that want a few Euros in their pocket when they get there (I am one of those people) it is easiest to change a few dollars in your departure airport. The penalty isn't that bad - probably less than one day's parking feet.

But I know try to being a little money back when traveling, to provide the seed money for the next trip. Currently have a few pounds and Canadian dollars on hand.

They can even come in handy in a pinch if you make a foreign purchase over the internet (Ebay, etc).

Keith

Keith

parking "fee."

J62

cooncat.
if you search with the keyword ATM, you will find the discussion about ATMs, TC, etc long ago moved past a philosophical discussion and a religious realm. I'm in the ATM + Credit card + $100US (which I never use) camp, but I understand the comfort factor for those wanting to carry TC or Euros.

I actually like the idea of TC as a backup, to be used back in the US on return without a fee. Especially if you can get them free from AAA or someplace else.

Re $10,000, I'd be less worried about Uncle Sam looking over my shoulder than someone looking to lift it off of me. (in the US, Europe, Asia, or anywhere else).

suze

I believe TC's are useful in certain instances (but a 7 day trip to Paris isn't one of them).

If I have an extended trip, if I have to pay for a hotel or apartment in cash, like that. And I go to a bank with my passport to cash them, not expect to spend them directly with a merchant.

cooncat

I was really more just curious. I was in Greece in 2001 and used ATMs. Maybe I'm a fool, but I trust the ATMs! I do plan to ahve some euros on hand with me though. (I see no one bit on my hotel questions!)

RufusTFirefly

You can carry over $10,000. You just have to fill out a form when you leave or enter the country. They're checking for drug dealers, tax evaders, etc.

Not that I would carry that much cash.

platzman

I have not exchanged 100 dollar bills in many years, but it is my understanding that counterfeiting fears have made "Big Ben" less accepted by banks overseas.