MONEY!!! NOW OR LATER??

Old Jul 6th, 1998, 04:52 AM
  #1  
DIANE
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
MONEY!!! NOW OR LATER??

Would it be better for me to get French francs now in the US before I leave , or wait to change to francs in the airport in Paris? Where will I get the best exchange rate - here at the US bank or at the Bureau de Change in the Paris airport?

 
Old Jul 6th, 1998, 06:45 AM
  #2  
jenny
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Hi Diane,

I would suggest that you get about $50 worth of francs from a US bank before you go. You will need money for unforseen expenses. I suggest that you do not exchange money at the airport--ripoff! Get your $50 worth changed at a reputable downtown bank and then use your atm card, credit card, or whatever once you're in france but away from tourist traps and airports. hope this helps.
 
Old Jul 6th, 1998, 06:58 AM
  #3  
Monica
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
I agree to get a small amount of money in francs in the USA before traveling (I usually get $100); then I use my ATM and credit cards to pay for expenses. You'll get a better exchange rate once in France. I always carry travelers checks, but this past trip to Italy in May we never used them because of the convenience of the ATM machines.
 
Old Jul 6th, 1998, 08:53 AM
  #4  
Joyce
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
I really see no need of going to the expense and bother of getting French francs here in the U.S. when you can use the ATM machines right in the airport (CDG) in France and get francs at the commercial rate, best possible. We have done this several times with no problem at all.
 
Old Jul 6th, 1998, 10:16 AM
  #5  
Cheryl Z.
Guest
 
Posts: n/a

Hi - have to agree with Joyce, we never change money here; not necessary. Will be plenty of opportunities once you get there for better rates (but not at airport usually).
 
Old Jul 6th, 1998, 02:14 PM
  #6  
anna
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Used ATM's and credit cards exclusively---the only way to go.
 
Old Jul 9th, 1998, 11:24 AM
  #7  
Berry
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Do all ATM machines charge the same commercial rate or do some charge more than others depending on the bank? Is the rate as low as that quoted in the Wall Street Journal?
Do you get a better rate using cash that you got from the bank machine or using your VISA or AMEX?
 
Old Jul 9th, 1998, 02:39 PM
  #8  
anna
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Just checked my statements last night and found that I was not charged any fee at all for the ATM withdrawals in Europe and got pretty much exactly the quoted bank exchange rate for each day I made withdrawals. I am impressed. It was never hard to find a machine anywhere we went (they're in all the train stations and airports, almost all banks, and there was even one at the ferry landing of the little (pop. 1000) island my ancestors came from. In Denmark you can pick from at least 4 languages to do your transaction in, and those Kroners pop out of that machine as easily as dollars do at home. Took $150 in travelers checks in case of power failures, bank failures, or empty machines, and never used them (the checks). Just make sure you hace a 4-digit PIN with numbers only, no letters and you're set. Happy spending.
 
Old Jul 11th, 1998, 05:27 AM
  #9  
Bob
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Returned 3 weeks ago from 3 weeks in Europe.Major mistake and giant stupidity was bringing American money [just in case].Needless to say[now]had it stolen from a Paris hotel room.DO NOT LEAVE ANY CASH IN YOUR HOTEL ROOM.ATM AND CREDIT CARDS ,THE ONLY WAY TO GO.
 
Old Jul 18th, 1998, 04:24 PM
  #10  
greg
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
We estimated that the exchange bureau costed us about 6% including commissions. However, this was not the only consideration. Yes, the best rate was obtained by using plastics, but for some reason, we got "cannot contact your bank" or similar message and got no money out. This happened about once a week, all at night. So that we did not get stuck at the airport or train station in new country not able pay for the transportation to the hotel and enough meals to the next day (the card always worked for us next morning,) we always converted enough money to carry us until our plastics started working. We felt 6% ripoff on exchange rate on cab fare was a prudent investment to ensure a smooth trip.
 
Old Jul 24th, 1998, 12:33 PM
  #11  
jennifer
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Diane - get just enough francs at your local bank to get you there and maybe some food and transportation money (taxi to the hotel), then charge everything else. Your bank gives you the best rate when you charge. Also, if you need to change some traveller's checks while there, I've found that the post offices give you the best rates (other than charging).
 
Old Jul 24th, 1998, 01:33 PM
  #12  
Caryn
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
I don't think there's any need to change money before you go. I never have. Be sure to check how much your bank charges for overseas ATM transactions. Fleet Bank charges $5.00! This expense may be more money than it's worth. Especially if you go to the ATM more than once. THree visits is $15! American Express charges no commission to change travelers checks but is a much bigger hassle. I plan on using an account at First Union which charges $1.50. Big difference!
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -