While I don't get euro or pounds in advance of going and have never had a hitch, I have no problem with those who want some in their pocket when they arrive.
To get about 150 euro in advance may cost as much as $5 or $6 dollars. Maybe even $10. Not that much in the grand scheme of things, is it?

Actually I usually do take some euro with me from home. But it's nothing to do with shock about exchange rates, or inability to use an ATM machine due to jet lap -sheez!

I changed some euros to pounds here at home at my bank to have money to pay the car service from Stansted Airport to London...and they gave me some 10 pounds notes that were not current in England !!! I have to go and exchange them for new notes at the airport at an awful rate... These things don't happen on the ATM, but I learned the lesson...the driver can wait !!!

You were CHARGED a fee to exchange an old bill for a new one??!!

We take Ambien for international travel and ALWAYS are able to get to an ATM for local currency upon arrival - a serious no brainer when you use a no fee ATM card (ours' is USAA).
M (SMdA, Gto.)

I used to spend my last bit of euros at the duty free shops before flying home; now I save it for my next trip. I'm talking 30-40 Euros, which would be enough to get to my hotel if I couldn't get any money from the ATMs. When I arrive, I do get euros at the airport.

Monica

Let me get this straight, Kenderina. Your bank provided you with money that can't be spent and it's going to cost you to exchange them for good ones? Meanwhile I'm assuming your bank even charged you a fee or exchange rate for doing this? What's wrong with this story? Surely you demanded your money back, no?

"Also I'm in business because I offer hints like this."

And now you are offering it for free on Fodor's?

I prefer to have a few hundred euros when I arrive. I think this is personal preference.

I never get shocked because I don't do conversion when I use an ATM. I simply get out the appropriate amount of euro, and off I go. Mimi, you could suggest this to your clients maybe? Don't bother doing a conversion everytime you spend money in Europe if it gets you upset.

Kenderina, why didn´t you keep the notes and change them at your own bank once you were back in Spain?

You should be able to do so and even get back the extra charges, and you should have spoken about that with the manager. Also, I don´t understand how you should be able to change those notes at the airport.

BTW, which bank are you using? Just in case ...

Cova

"No, the same ... if you are Canadian"

As a Canadian, I beg to differ, I've always gotten reasonable exchanges rates while traveling in Europe. Most times the rates are comparable and in the event of a difference, it was nominal at best (certainly not a sum that would induce me to risk carrying large quantities of Euro or Sterling)

I know people think this is crazy but I always change my money before I go (I'm Canadian) and take enough for the entire trip (if I need any more I use credit cards). I find the ease of having my money invaluable--I don't have to worry about ATMs eating or not accepting my card etc. etc. I use a money belt or neck wallet and have never (touch wood) had any problems. If I have leftover currency (which I normally do) I apply it to the hotel bill.

Outwest, I carried all my funds in cash once - on a trip to Rwanda where they have no ATMs that take foreign debit/credit cards. Boy, did I hate wearing that moneybelt all the time. When is it safe to take it off? You can't wear it while you are swimming. Would you trust the safe in your hotel room? Iwould much rather use my ATM card and withdraw money as I need it.

BTW, I find the ATMs in Europe easier to use than the ones in the US. They give you your card back before the money is issued. No chance of absentmindedly leaving your card in the machine and walking away without it.

SandC - I have read your post over several times and I am sorry - I don't know what you are saying. Are you saying that the exchange rates through the ATM were better? worse? or simply reasonable?
This is a very complicated issue and I am saying that in Canada the exchange rates through an ATM abroad and from your own bank at home are the same.
If you know them to be better one way or another with a particular bank please tell us which bank. I deal with the Royal.

Everytime I read a post like this I am amazed at how poorly prepared for travel many are. Doesn't people read guidebooks any longer? Use the "destinations" button above?

We have twice been to Scandinavia. The first was in 1967 - before ATMs - and needed currency for Norway, Sweden, Denmark and the UK. The second in 1999 when we also visited Finland and Russia. Fortunately, ATMs were ubiquitous for the second trip but it still necessitated using 6 different currencies and ATMs in 6 different countries. It really wasn't that difficult either time. Today, some are panicked about getting and using a single currency in a single country. Did we really put a man on the moon?

<<< This is a very complicated issue and I am saying that in Canada the exchange rates through an ATM abroad and from your own bank at home are the same. >>>

Then get a new bank as ATM usage should be giving you a better rate than getting money over the counter

good one (from jsmith)!!!!!!!

That was the point of the post. It is amazing who unprepared many people are. Sad fact it's true.

Author: TravMimi
Date: 03/06/2007, 01:17 pm
I assure you fear is not my business. Planning perfect trips is. From following this thread, most seasoned travelers understand my post and know who it's directed to. Also I'm in business because I offer hints like this.


you simply must be kidding.