We're going to Crete in September, and I'm wondering should I change money to drachma in Canada, or take Travellers Cheques in American Dollars, or are Canadian Dollars Travellers Cheques acceptable.? <BR> <BR>Thanks <BR>Muriel

There are plenty of ATMs in Crete. However ,saying that , we usually take a combination of Drachma and travellers cheques.Not sure about Canadian T/Cs but your bank should be able to advise. If in doubt, stick with US cheques.

Muriel, we more or less relied on ATMs when we were in Greece last September. I never take Canadian dollars, but I did take some US dollars (cash) with me. I needed to cash some of them in Turkey, but not in Greece. The ATMs were very reliable there.

ditto on relying mainly on ATMs in Greece. exchange rate was usually within 1% of the prime, interbank rate. <BR> <BR>note that "VISA" branded ATM cards are a bit more widely accepted than Mastercard, roughly a 60%-40% margin. Sometimes I had to go to a 2nd or 3rd ATM to find one that accepted the Mastercard network. But, I was always able to find one without too much inconvenience. <BR> <BR>I bought a couple hundered $$ worth of drachma before departing US (from AMEX office), and although expensive, it was handy for the first day of arrival to Greece, as I was a bit exhausted to go hunting for ATMs

Thanks everyone. It looks as though ATM's win hands down.I've never used one previously, always relying on Travellers cheques, so it will be a new experience for me. <BR> <BR> I presently have a regular Visa card, but I don't think this is the one I need - or is it? <BR> <BR>We'll be staying in Crete at the Grecotel Rithymna Beach. Has anyone been there recently? <BR> <BR>Thanks <BR> <BR>Muriel

Muriel, don't use a standard credit card in an ATM! You'll be taking a cash advance, and your cc company will charge you a fee, plus start charging intetest immediately, often at a higher-than-normal rate. Go to your regular bank in Canada and get an ATM card from them (if they don't do ATMs, open an account at a large bank). It shoukd have a logo for Plus and/or Cirrus on the back; these are the int'l ATM networks, and you will see the logos on ATMs abroad, telling you where you can use your card. Make sure to have your money in a checking--not savings--account, and that your PIN code is just four digits. Some banks issue ATM/debit cards; these will have a Visa or Mastercard logo on the front and can also be used just like a credit card in shops or restaurants, except that they debit money straight from your bank account.

Dear Caitlin: <BR>Dear Caitlin: <BR>Thanks so much for your detailed explanation.I feel much wiser about ATM cards now! <BR> <BR>Will visit the bank and get my ATM 'plastic" <BR> <BR>Muriel