Before leaving for Italy last year I purchased some Lira and then used my ATM card when I ran out of cash. With the introduction of the Euro I am not sure what to use. I am going to France in late May and as a native Parisian know the French aren't keen on change. The brochure I got from the French Consulate re. the Euro stated that the coins will be refered to as 'cents' but they still could be called 'centimes'. Not wanting to offend any merchant, should I use Euro dollars (ED) or French Francs (FF)? Will the exchange rate be the same? Will the ATM machine spit out ED or FF? Many thanks!

Hi, Michèle. <BR>We are still using pesetas or french francs or liras. You will get francs on the ATMs. There are many places where the receipt wil come up in both francs and euros, it cannot come only in Euros. <BR>The only way to be charged in Euros on your credit card is to have a credit account in Euros. <BR>There have been quite a few discussions about this same thema a couple of months ago. Do a search, and good luck.

Michele, <BR>You will not be exposed to Eurodollars other than to see prices posted in both the national currency and Eurodollar rates. At present, Eurodollars are being used only for major international financial transactions. They are not in circulation and will not be for another couple of years.

There is no euro currency in circulation yet ... not until 2002. <BR> <BR>In the meantime you may see prices shown in both euros and francs, and your credit card statement will show purchase price in euros. <BR> <BR>Exchange rate for francs (and other euro zone currency) now fixed against the euro. <BR> <BR>Extended info on the euro and its impact to travelers at http://twenj.com/euro.htm <BR> <BR>In fact the normally conservative French seem to have jumped into the euro with enthusiasm. <BR> <BR>Ed

I have read that one can get American Express travellers checks denominated in Euro's already. This seems very practical if one is travelling in several EU countries. Do you suppose otherwise there are advantages to getting these over those denominated in US Dollars, or the local currency? Obviously they can be cashed at Amex offices, and probably banks, but will stores/restaurants/hotels accept them?

This Euro stuff won't have any effect on our daily payment until 2002. Any payment you want to do in Euro will only result in additional bank charges, it's actually a big rip-off : don't fall into that trap !

Topping for Dave

Topper,<BR>Now I know you're sick!! Topping a 1999 post. As I said earlier-get a life.

Were you thinking that this is a mirror you were talking to?<BR>