JKOH

I'll be traveling to Munich in October. Looking for feedback on converting US$$ to Euro. Is it cheaper here in the states or in Munich (and if there, is it best to go to a bank, at the airport..)? Also, what about travelers checks and using a card like American Express?

Thanks...

janisj

OK - asked and answered many times a day on here -- NO, do not convert $ to € in the States, except for maybe a FEW to just get you your first taxi ride - but most people don't even bother w/ that.

Also - don't use Travelers Cheques - costle and very inconvenient.

Use your ATM card linked to your checking account to get € in Germany.

janisj

That should be "costly".

suze

Use your ATM card and withdraw euro directly after arrival is the best method.

Visa and MasterCard or accepted more widely than American Express as far as charge cards.

Travelers checks are not that great and would likely require cashing for a fee at a bank (not spending directly in a shop or restaurant).

Michael

Even if the ATM at the airport is out, assuming that there is only one location or none work, you probably can pay for your S-Bahn ticket with a credit card. Once in Munich you will find ATMs all over the place.

Curious

I see that this is your first post, so I will be nice (I just clicked on your name and it shows all of your posts).

As janisj stated, this question has been asked a thousand times. The answers are always the same. ATM.

I recommend for newbies, like you, to check out "search" at the top of the page. Many, many repeat quesions, like yours, will be answered.

Have fun in Munich. It's a GREAT city. I'm also sure that the Munich airport (flughafen (sp)) has many, many ATMs (Cash Machines).

Curious

logos999

You can cash AE travelers checks for free at the American Express office next to the Hotel "Bayerischer Hof". Just in case...

Budman

Avoid travelers checks. Yes, you can cash them, but the exchange rate will be brutal, even at American Express. Use the ATM to get your Euro.

logos999

Just to make it clear, you'll get 100€ in cash for a 100€ check at their office. Now it just depends how much in fees you pay to buy them in the US

Giovanna

You might want to print yourself a "cheat sheet" on www.oanda.com which gives you dollar to euro/euro to dollar, or any other currency. I always print one for myself and one for my husband. Good size to slip in your wallet and makes it easy to see what you're paying for something in the currency of whatever country you're visiting.

We too always use ATMs. Gave up travelers checks sometime ago. Use our Capital One cards which seem to be the only card now with the lowest add ons for use.

Gerardo

Use the ATM machines

nytraveler

Use you credit cards to pay for as much as possible. Use your ATM card to take out cash for walking aourn money. this wil cost you 1 to 3% over the interbank rate of exchange (rate banks use between themselves for deal in mission of dollars).

If you change either cash or Trav checks you will pay 8 to 10% over the interbank rate of excahnge - a complete waste of money. And you may be charged fees as well.

No one wants Trav Checks (not even many banks in europe) so you need to find an AMEX office to get cash for them - a real pain if there is only one - or none in the town you are in.

If it will make you feel more confident change a small amount - $50 or $100 cash at the bureau de change in your departure ariport. but this is not necesary since there will be ATMs in whatever airport you land.