Money Exchange
May 6th, 2005, 03:58 PM
#5
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Ask your bank to issue you an ATM card linked to your checking account. That is the consensus best way to get € or any other currency while travelling to a foreign land.
Don't know if a bank can issue a card before you leave though. There will be a currency exchange in the Shannon airport.
May 6th, 2005, 04:58 PM
#6
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If you go into the bank you have your checking account at there's no reasons they can;t give you a debit card on the spot.
this will be much easier and less expensive than travelers checks. (Often only banks will exchange them - for a fee and/or very bad rate - and there have now been some reports that they will do this only for their own customers - and not strangers.)
this will be much easier and less expensive than travelers checks. (Often only banks will exchange them - for a fee and/or very bad rate - and there have now been some reports that they will do this only for their own customers - and not strangers.)
May 6th, 2005, 06:03 PM
#7
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OK - Do you already have travelers checks, or are you planning to buy travelers checks? If you haven't bought them yet - DON'T. Go to your bank instead and get an ATM card. It will make your trip much easier, and cheaper too.
You really can't use TCs anywhere - you have to go into a bank or post office to exchange them for cash. And you will have to pay high fees to exchange them.
If you've already bought them - are they in US$ (or whatever your home currency is) or in € ? If they are in $ - then take them to your bank, deposit them in your checking account and get an ATM card.
If they are in € - you are sort of stuck since you will lose on the exchange whatever you do . . . . .
You really can't use TCs anywhere - you have to go into a bank or post office to exchange them for cash. And you will have to pay high fees to exchange them.
If you've already bought them - are they in US$ (or whatever your home currency is) or in € ? If they are in $ - then take them to your bank, deposit them in your checking account and get an ATM card.
If they are in € - you are sort of stuck since you will lose on the exchange whatever you do . . . . .
May 7th, 2005, 03:30 AM
#10
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Here is another alternative if you don't want to hit the country broke. Go to www.travelex.com/usa/. These are the same people that run the Bureau Dchange in the airports and other places. Use a ATM car or debit card and order $500.00 or more and they will Fedex the Euro to your home. As I write this $1000.00 US will get you 706 Euro delivered to your front door free. If you use a credit card you will be charged a cash advance fee by you CC company so use an ATM or debit card. I have used this service in the past and they are completely reliable. Have fun
May 7th, 2005, 03:40 AM
#12
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And if you do that, you will have paid $1.416430595 for €1 on a day when the interbank rate was $1.2823151365 which means you should have received €779,84 so you just threw away €78...a real dumb thing to do....
May 7th, 2005, 03:49 AM
#13
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Sorry my math was off...you only lose €73,84 in the first case...I had not seen the second post but that means you have only thrown away €53,44! Not exactly the brightest way to do things!
May 7th, 2005, 04:33 AM
#14
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Back in the days when traveler's checks were more popular, I remember paying a fee PER CHECK to have them redeemed in the local currency. This, combined with the poor exchange rate, meant that at least 15% of the traveler's check value evaporated before my eyes!
First thing Monday, go to your bank and get an ATM card or debit/check card. Its the best invention for travellers since the jet plane.
First thing Monday, go to your bank and get an ATM card or debit/check card. Its the best invention for travellers since the jet plane.
May 7th, 2005, 07:47 AM
#15
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Dear XYZ123 As I stated It is only an alternative. I used this service back in late late 90's when ATM machines were very scarce and most would not take a U.S. Bank card. I like most travelers now use my atm. Having said that perhaps you can tell me where I can get the exact interbank rate without paying a comission.
May 7th, 2005, 09:23 AM
#16
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Thanks again. I called 5th/3rd Bank at CVG airport and they give 70.5 euro for 100us, so I will get exchange there to have some euro in hand when I arrive on Tuesday. Appreciate all the help. Also checking company ATM card to see if I can use.
