I have always found the rates very competitive when friends have used the ATM machines and we have checked their rate with what I have paid. Much more convenient, for me.....so many choices of ways to do it, and to each his own...

Question for gracejoan- Do you do anything special for carrying 2000 in cash? Like a moneybelt or anything? I'm curious because on another thread people seemed nervous to carry more than a couple hundred.

Does anyone know if Bank of America ATM card's pin can start with zero? I'm thinking of changing mine if it could cause certain problems in London and Paris.

I have NEVER had a problem with the cash. I don't use a money belt. I actually keep the money in 2 separate places. I have a small purse wherre I keep 200/300 at a time with a credit card. I keep the other cash and credit cards in another place, with passport etc...I then keep all this in a purse that has two zip sides that I carry over my shoulder and can hold it with my hand, too.

It is usually the loose things, or backpacks that cause problems. If you are holding on to your purse, not much can be done. I have never had a problem in all the many countries where I have travelled. In the heavy tourist areas, you are just more aware of what is around you, and more careful.

gracejoan- Thank you for your kind reply. I also carry quite a bit of cash, usually split into 2-3 bundles in different places and use a normal pocketbook. It is good to hear you use the same method, without problems. Thanks again.

Thank you for the updated info on the AAA passport card. It's disgraceful. The only expenses incurred last year were for withdrawals. It was $2.50 for each transaction with no interest charges on top of that and you could withdraw $300 each time. ATM is the way to go.

I take about $200.00 US in the local currency (I know I pay a bit more to do this), use my credit cards as much as possible and get cash at the ATM when needed. I always have some cash in wallet and balance in zippered section of my shoulder bag.