I'm going to London, Paris and Rome in June. What are your recommendations for bringing cash? Should I go with traveler's checks or exchange some currency in the U.S. before I head over there so I have some spending money. I will be arriving in London on a Saturday and not sure if banks will be open, etc.

Thanks for any information you can provide!

Usually the best and cheapest way is to simply withdraw local currency from an ATM upon landing. If you need cash right away, there are plenty of ATM's in the airport.

Do not use the currency exchange booths; they either charge a very high commission rate or horrible conversion rates.

Traveler's checks are just about useless nowadays.

Good luck!
Tracy

Use your ATM card to get cash, CC to buy things.

We don't live in the 19th Century

1) Use ATM card at airport upon arrival
2) US cash to exchange (as backup)
3) Credit card for major purchases
4) Buy foreign currency at your home bank, AAA, Thomas Cooke, or departure airport if you feel the need to have some with you
5) TC (optional for emergencies only)

Thanks!

You're welcome. Except for travelers checks, there should be no reason you need to deal with bank hours to get money.