will be in portugal & spain (costa del sol). any money exchange places you would suggest? I realize that atm is probably the best route but welcome any other thoughts. thanks.

ATMs and credit cards ar the way to go.

Hi rich,

Avoid money changers and use ATMs when you need cash.

Hello Ira, thanks. thats what i figured

ATM's -- money exchange places will cost you. Bad exchange rate + commission.

Credit card for major purchases, gas, hotels, restaurants, etc.

I've read your question several times and I'm really confused. You say "I realize that atm is probably the best route but welcome other thoughts." So what is it you're looking for? Places that will cost you a lot more to exchange money or cause greater inconvenience? Once you know the answer as to what is best, what else is there to know?

Patrick, I think he is just looking for confirmation, but for other thoughts, he might want to call his bank to consider what fees they will place on his purchases/use/conversion fees. Both my banks/credit card companies only charge the 1% conversion fee, but some charge up to 3%.

Now, there's a thought you might want to look into. Have a nice trip, and I hope you have warm weather.

As others have said, use a credit card for major purchases and get cash from ATMs for everything else. There are some important things to do *before* you leave home to make sure your credit cards and ATM cards will work in Europe. Read this very helpful article: www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/moneytip.htm

most important call your CC and bank and thell them you'll be going to eurpoe. that way when a security flag comes up, they'll know it's you.

Yes be sure and call your cc company and let them know you will be using your card in another country. I bookd service through Terravision Shuttle Service in Rome online with my Capital One Card the other day. A few days later I got an e-mail from my car insurance company letting me know that my card would not accept my payment. I called and they had froze my card because of "unusual acitivity", and I had not even gotten out of the country. They did not even call or write and let me know that they had done this. I had several bills that were charged to my card monthly and that is how I found out it was canceled. They applolgized and all is well now, but to save yourself a lot of hassle, do call and let them know you are traveling abroad.