Ok gracejoan, I guess I didn't get all that. I realize you quoted the prices for getting 1000 euro, but since you started with saying the problem was that Wells Fargo limited you to spending $2000 I assumed you were doing that much from them and then more from the bank.

So, I guess I stand corrected that you got basically 2000 euros which cost you about $216.

And no I'm not arguing or saying there's anything wrong with what you're doing -- I agree, so long as it makes you happy.

Christina,
Re the AAA travel checks...they are 100% free if you use your AAA credit card. You charge them to it and when the statement comes in you pay it...IT IS NOT A CASH ADVANCE..I get them for every trip...when I return and having not used them, I deposit them and pay the statement when it arrives..in other words I have the completely free use of their $2500 or whatever for my trip emergency...did not have to use my own money!! What could be better than that? A person at AAA told me about it many years ago..get a AAA card and you can do the same....very handy

I can understand the way gracejoan handles her money and why she is comfortable with her method. My concern is for someone reading this post, who is not an experienced traveler...

I do think it is important for people to know the details given in subsequent posts from gracejoan to understand the total picture: her cash is divided and carried in different places, she also has an ATM card, travelers checks, and charge cards.

While I realize was meant to be helpful, it makes it sound like you put 3000 euro in your pocket and off you go.

Regarding the cash advance idea of TC's at AAA, it apparently depends on your credit card. I recently got a couple to send to the UK for an apartment rental deposit and the clerk advised me that they get all kinds of feedback. Some credit cards will show them as a regular purchase (pay your balance and it costs you nothing), but other credit cards do in fact record it as a cash advance -- and then you do pay an interest fee from the date you got them. I wasn't doing much so took my chances and put them on a credit card. It did come through as a regular purchase -- not a cash advance.

suze,
My original post had nothing to do with taking my 2000 euros and going off to France. It was for the sole purpose of telling of the source, Wells Fargo, for obtaining euros before travel. People have asked for this information. As I have said before, I was only trying to be helpful in providing this information.

As to inexperienced travelers being confused and needing explanation...I think if they are only reasonably intelligent people that they could understand...they also might decide that they would rather seek information from a friendlier source. I was a "hostess" on another popular site for many years giving help to those asking...it became too political in many ways and I resigned from doing that. I use the various sites for my own benefits and occasionally pass on some information with the intention of being helpful, not argumentive. I hesitate often because I have seen the same thing that has happened here happen elsewhere. That is why I TRIED to keep it from happening with my original post..ha ha!! It is too bad. I "take" what I sort out for my benefit and I will most certainly hesitate from passing on good, helpful and asked for information in the future.

Patrick,
Get the AAA credit card....if you use it for the emergency funds, as I do, you can't beat it. You have the "comfort" of having whatever amount for a tragedy of some sort without a penny's cost to you!! You may also receive some other small benefits, as you do by just being a AAA member..Intl drivers license etc..I don't know what other CC do for using them to purchase the TC's. I certainly would not write a check for them, using my cash, or a credit card with any kind of charge for them, when I can use the AAA card and get them free!! Many of us have little things that others can use............

<I KNEW I would get the kind of responses that I got....> gracejoan, I believe you posted this knowing full well the kind of responses you would receive. You even say so yourself.

<...it became too political in many ways and I resigned from doing that.> You are finding fights where none exist here.

This would be a good advice by the OP if she'd mention it's not for people who respect their money and try to spend less. Her way to handle money is only for those who have money to burn. It may be very misleading for the forum's newbies.

I don't feel comfortable to depend on the airport ATMs so I always get some foreign currency at home. Very little, not in thousands. When in Zurich, there was a long line of backpackers at the ATM. I was glad I paid for convenience. Lost a few dollars at home, but that's it. I would never ever exchange more then 1 day worth.

Suze, you read my mind.
Is that a violin I hear?

suze

My original post said ONLY to advise people of Wells Fargo...nothing else..I had hoped that would do it..obviously I was mistaken!!

The political that I referred to was International/governmental type politics......

OK, gracejoan, now it's my turn to say that maybe you didn't follow my post, or did you?
I used my usual Citibank Aadvantage Card to get the TCs at AAA and there was NO charge, and I got my usual AA miles.

And for "emergency funds" that's what my ATM card is for -- also at no cost.


Meanwhile, I fail to see what the controversy is with a post like this. Gracejoan clearly said at the beginning it was for information only and NEVER did she try to persuade anyone to do the same thing. The idea of suggesting that she should have started her post with "this is only for those who love to throw their money away" is laughable at best. If anyone can't read a post and decide for himself whether or not the money is worth it to him, then he doesn't have the smarts to travel -- period.

Patrick,
Well said....I did get your CC info..guess I just sdaid more than necessary for others.
I really am sorry for having begun this post..and will most certainly hesitate in the future.
My Wells Fargo euros just arrived..the e-mail they had sent said they would be here by 3:00 today..arrived at 2:15..I told the driver that..she was pleased.Interesting interior packaging.
I will be leaving on the 16th for an expected super trip..will hesitate to post about it upon my return........

Gracejoan, it should be a well known fact that most people posting here have ONE way they do things and resent being told that any other way even exists. They KNOW their way is the best way for all. But I think these issues of money seem to create the most "any way other than my way is STUPID" posts of all.

Patrick,
Again, well said....but I didn't suggest in the smallest way how someone should spend their money...all I did was answer a question of where funds could be obtained!! Very touchy!

I have seen a question from a poor new person get jumped on in a very ugly manner...how many just go their way and forget Fodor's??

Some would say site management should take care of rudeness, but that subject could really open up a can of worms!!

I guess you just often "take" more than you "give" because of the lack of common courtesy by some..so very unnecessary............

gracejoan, thank you for posting how you are able to get easy access to euros in the US. Most of the banks here do not carry euros so I for one am usually looking for an airport ATM right away. I also like St.Cirq's idea of bringing euros back to "seed" the next trip. In the past I try to finish off my euros buying chocolates and more chocolates at the airport Deborah

gracejoan3: What's the safest way to carry that money through Europe? Do you deposit it in a hotel safe and carry only a daily ration with you? Just curious. Thanks.

You will probably receive many answers to your question of "how to carry ". I have often used the safe in hotel rooms. If I have rented an apt. they have always been very secure places...you need a map for all the different locks!!
I usually have about 400 euros with me for day trips...credit cards etc., of course. If moving from place to place, I would only have the funds separated within the single purse that I carry. I have always used a shoulder bag that easily is along my side and held on to. I suppose if you were in a crowded area, hold onto it more closely.
I have never had a problem by just using common sense.

Deborah Ann,
I'm glad you appreciated the giving of the Wells Fargo site. It is very easy to use.
My bank does not carry euros, but they do order it and it is then delivered to them the following day, if ordered in the am.
I usually have 200 or so left over to begin my next trip.
The airport can be a good place to "use up" the excess!

As an aside:

A couple of years ago our son went on a school trip to Canada.

At the meeting a couple of months beforehand parents were asking why their children couldn't use US$ and where they could get Canadian Dollars.

This advice might not be for all posters on this board but it will help someone.

alya,
Yes, that was the purpose of my post..to let people know that Wells Fargo did have foreign funds to deliver to you for a trip. I have now tried it, and it is very safe and efficient to use. I would certainly plan ahead for using the service, or any service to allow plenty of time. I am not a last minute kind of person!