I know that many people suggested using credit cards and exchange money at ATM, but there is a 2% charge for using VISA or MasterCard. Due to this fact would it not be better to exchange cash at an exchange place or even here? Of course there is carrying cash problem....

I think the confusion comes in because many of us are talking about ATM cards or debit cards, not credit cards. My debit card has a Visa logo, but removes the money directly from my checking account, therefore there is no cash advance fee (the 2% I believe you are referring to). Using credit cards in stores may or may not have an extra charge, I think that is based on the bank which issued it. But they nearly always have a fee when used to get cash. <BR>Hope that helps!

I just looked into this===visa gave me a 3% quote, am ex 2% & citibank atm said no % BUT quoted me 5 F to the $ on a day when the papers had 7.3F. Seems odd.

<BR> <BR>On a trip last year to Greece, I used my credit union ATM card to make a number of withdrawals. I didn't incur any fees whatsoever, and I got an exchange rate that was practically identical to the inter-bank rate. <BR> <BR>I just exchanged some cash for Italian Lira the other day at the local American Express office, and I lost about 8% in the transaction. I'm not complaining mind you; it's worth it to me to not have to immediately find an ATM just as I get off of the plane. But I certainly plan on using the ATMs while I'm in Italy. <BR> <BR>The fees you incur on ATM transactions will vary from country to country, and from bank to bank depending on local laws and bank rules. However, you are almost always better off using your ATM card whenever possible. Credit cards may be another matter. <BR> <BR>Greg G.

Kostia, <BR>One way to avoid that 2% charge for using your VISA or MasterCard is to deposit money to your account before you leave for the trip, i.e., pay more for your last bill. You can also exchange small amount of cash at your bank (It doesn't cost you a penny!)before you leave so you don't have to search for ATM right after you arrive in Italy. <BR>Hope this is helpful. <BR>Betty

I doubt if you'll find any credit card company that will ever waive the approx. 2 pct transaction fee for taking a cash advance regardless of your balance as the above post suggests. Neither of mine will (ie, this fee is always charged)and I've queried several other card companies who all charge a cash advance fee regardless of your balance--it is a fee for that service, period. These card companies are lending money as a business; with purchases they get a fee from the store, with cash advances they get it from you. It really depends on the city/country as to differences in exchange rates; some give much better rates for cash/TCs than others (are you really contemplating taking all cash for your trip?!!?? I wouldn't recommend that just for safety reasons). However, none of these entities are charities, so all will be making some money in the service of giving you cash, you can count on it. Exchange places are for-profit and are making some money exchanging currency, and it will probably be at least about the 2 pct your card company charges (I think you probably mean the conversion fee on purchases, not a cash advance fee, but it's about the same result), so if I were you I'd choose the method you prefer the best and are most comfortable with, that's all. (Except do NOT take cash advances on credit cards if you are worrying about these small percentages of fee differencess as you'll pay high interest charges on it, that's the main disadvantage.) BTW, don't think you'll get around fees by taking TCs in foreign currency as places that exchange those for local cash will charge you a fee for that service, also, at least all the ones I've seen do