Getting foreign currencies before the trip?
 

We're going to Frence in early November. Need advise on foreign currency. Should we get some FF before the trip,and if yes, which on-line service would you recommend? We have credit cards and bank ATM cards that allow us to withdraw cash from ATM machines worldwide. Which one would offer better rate? Does the credit card issuer charge us interests starting the day we get cash advances, or cash advances are treated like a "purchase"?

ATM cards are definitely the better way to go, rather than taking advances on a credit card. Most cc issuers not only charge interest from the first day, but also charge a transaction fee that's a percentage of the advance (mine is 3 percent, up to $30). Use the ATM card, and keep the cc for backup in case something goes wrong with the ATM card.

Get a few francs (enough for a taxi and a snack, say) and then ATM the rest. I'd just go to a bank or AAA -- the on-line cash services I've seen charge fees that make the exchange rate much less attractive. <BR> <BR>You have to check with your credit card issuer, but most charge you interest on cash withdrawls from the minute you take it out. <BR>

We never get foreign cash before we go. Every airport has ATM machines, and we always get to one before we've had a need for cash. We get cash out on a debit card. You get the best (current) rate of exchange, and so far, the foreign host banks have not charged a fee. My home bank charges $1.50, but this is better than the fees to buy cash or foreign travelers cheques at home.

I still get enough fireign currency before each trip to know that I will not have to think about it until I am good and ready, after my arrival. <BR> <BR>And if you are anywhere near an american Express office, I find that the service they offer is worth the added cost. <BR> <BR>Best wishes, <BR> <BR>Rex <BR>

I usually exchange $100 into foreign currency before I go. The last thing I want to think about after an 8+ hour plane trip is searching for an ATM in the airport. This is plenty of money to last until I get settled in my hotel and find the nearest ATM. And, yes, ATMs are the best deal. One word of advice from one who learned the hard way...ALWAYS take travelers checks as a back up. You can get them in US dollars and use them on your return home. I went to Spain this summer and was gleefully delighted at how easy my ATM was to use....that is until I got MUGGED and was left with absolutely no cash, credit cards or any other way to get money. Better to have too many money options than none! <BR>