Heading to Paris next week for the first time. What is the cheapest way to pay for things. I purchased 300 euros for pocket change from my local bank, they charged $52 service fee, I thought that seemed steep.Is there a cheaper way to secure Euro's ? I will be bringing a MasterCard but not plannig on bring Travelers checks.What about US currency would that be of any use in Paris?

Bring an ATM card and get Euros from machines, and/or pay for things with Master Card or Visa.

Liz

Charge whatever you can; you will get a better exchange rate. Use the ATMs to get cash (as much at one time as you are comfortable carrying so you won't be drowned in bank charges). And, no, dollars won't do you any good unless you pay an exorbitant rate to exchange them into Euros.

YOu're right, that service fee certainly does seem outrageous.

Do you have an ATM card? That's the most economical way to withdraw euro. And charge hotel and large restaurant tabs on your MC.

What is the cheapest way to pay for things. <b>Credit and debit cards</b>

I purchased 300 euros for pocket change from my local bank, they charged $52 service fee, I thought that seemed steep. Is there a cheaper way to secure Euro's? <b>ATM and debit cards - as little as $1 or 1%</b>

I will be bringing a MasterCard but not plannig on bring Travelers checks. What about US currency would that be of any use in Paris? <b>No</b>

Paree,

Your bank charged you over 13% for the pocket change--robbery, legal, but still robbery.

Your Mastercard WILL have a 1% fee imposed by Mastercard Corporate; it MAY have another 1-3% foreign exchange fee imposed by the bank that issued the card. It pays to check. Your ATM usually has a out-of-network flat fee (maybe $2-3) and often no other fees. But some robbers, er, banks are now adding fees for ATM cards, especially those ATM/debit cards with the VISA logo. Also pays to check w/ your bank and to be sure and speak with someone who really knows what they are talking about, not just the telephone customer service rep.

Good luck and have a good trip.

I am <u>never</u> charged a percentage fee. Only a $1 transaction fee.

<i><b>Robspierre's Law:

If someone tells you something can't be done, all they're <u>really</u> saying is that <u>they</u> don't know how to do it.</b></i>

Both Visa and Mastercard charge 1%. Soome Cards also add a percentage, however, some cards also give a rebate of up to 5% on supermarket and gas station purchases.

American Express charges 2%.

For ATM's try to find a bank that does not charge for ATM withdrawals. One example is Compass bank. They do not charge and will actually refund any charges made by a different bank.

Visa and MasterCard do <b>not</b> charge 1%. I don't know how or where this myth started, but I have receipts for cash withdrawals on cards of both issuers showing that day's interbank rate and a one dollar fee.

I just called my bank-Wells Fargo and they
charge 5%. So, on your $300 the fee should have been $15. I like traveling with some cash and I can always use it next year if I don't spend it all.
Good luck!

the 1% fee charged by Visa and MC is for credit card purchases. ATM withdrwals are an entirely different matter and have to do with the banks involved. There is no charge by Visa or MC on this activity, but there is a fee on credit card purchases