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-   -   Should I buy some Euros before the trip? (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/should-i-buy-some-euros-before-the-trip-855697/)

J62 Aug 22nd, 2010 12:09 PM

Here's a simple trick to avoid getting all 50 euro bills.... Withdraw an amount that's not an even multiple of 50!!

240 would do the trick.

Celticharper Aug 22nd, 2010 01:09 PM

When we tried that we often got four 50€ bills and two 20€ bills. We found it was purely random, sometimes we got our requested amount in all 20€ bills and other times we got as many 50€ bills as possible with the rest in 20€ and 10€ bills.

Paul1950 Aug 23rd, 2010 09:26 AM

If you are concerned, buy 100 euros before you leave, then use european bank ATMs for the rest of your cash needs in Europe. Make sure that they are bank ATMs--just as in the USA there can be non-bank ATMs that have unpleasant charges--and poor exchange rates.

As to the mean-spirited statement "Also if one is worried about a few dollars in fees, they really should consider waiting till they can afford a trip before they take one.", a few dollars saved here and there can make a difference in the ability to travel for some people.

Using ATMs after arriving in Europe; walking instead of taking public transport; taking public transport instead of walking; staying in hostels or one or two star hotels instead of 3/4 star; dining on pizza instead of at a Michelin starred restaurant; drinking a glass of house red instead of a bottle of the finest and tap water instead of bottled--it adds up, and many people enjoy this sort of money-saver trip just as much or more than some people who choose to spend more lavishly.

TravMimi Aug 23rd, 2010 09:38 AM

Paul - The statement was general, and not directed at all at the OP as he never suggested the fee was wasted money. Seeing as English has a very poor second person plural I used the word "one"
And I still say, if ONE is worried about a few dollars fee to get 100E pre trip pin money, then they should consider waiting.

peterSale Aug 23rd, 2010 03:46 PM

"And I still say, if ONE is worried about a few dollars fee to get 100E pre trip pin money, then they should consider waiting."

OR at least take a shorter trip. I have known people to be so short of money that they couldn't afford to go up the Eiffel Tower. Better to travel for a few days less, than stress over money.


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