Ways of paying...advice?
 

We're set to go to Paris and London in a couple of weeks, and I'm wondering about money. The plan is to use the credit card for most purchases -- hotel, sit-down meals, some shopping -- and use cash for smaller on-the-spot items. How much cash should we bring with us on departure? ATMs, I know are everywhere, and we'll use them. Just wondering if anyone has advice about the best ways to pay for what. Thanks.

Hi<BR>I think you've got a great plan.<BR>I am American and I usually bring $100-$200 worth of local cash with me.<BR>That will usually more than take care of the ride from the airport, my first meal, any incidentals. On that first day sometimes I just don't feel like looking for the atm at the airport or the one closest to my hotel.<BR>I usually also take $200 in travelers checks with me, just for an emergency back up were I to lose my credit and/or debit cards. If I don't use the checks,<BR>I just deposit them in my bank account when I get home.<BR>People have been posting occasionally about the transaction fees charged by their home banks when they use their atm cards abroad. You might want to inquire with your bank.<BR>If the fees add up, you might want to take more cash at each transaction rather than going to an atm every day.<BR>

Sorry, by "local cash" I meant, currency for the country I'm visiting

Thanks for the advice, elaine. Should I try to purchase euros/pounds here in the States, or get them @ CDG/Paddington station when we arrive? I know travel points often charge the highest exchange rates...

I'm with Elaine - I always bring about $150 worth of the local currency: there are ATM machines at all airports, but if they are off line or there's a big long line, I don't want to be stuck.<BR><BR>ATM machines give you the amount of local currency you want - 200 euros, 150 GBP, whatever. The exchange rate is done by your bank when they get the "charge". Exchange bureaux at transportation hubs are what traditionally give lousy rates when exchanging hard currencies ($US, travelers' checks, whatever); however, many will take Visa/MC and "sell" you 300 euros - the slip reads "300 euros". When the "charge" hits your account, that's when the exchange rate is done - if your ATM has a Visa or MC logo, you can use it the same way and "charge" your euros.

I never take local currency with me. I really think it has a lot to do with where you live. I do not have easy access to an International bank, nor do we have an American Express office or even a AAA very close to where I live.<BR>I do not travel to Europe often enough to keep left over currency from one trip to another. Although with Euros that may be a little more practical to do now.<BR>I always take about $100 of US dollars with me. I just rely on ATM machines. My local bank has very low withdrawal fees. <BR>I have two low conversion fee credit cards (on foreign currency) and my ATM. I take my chances, I guess. So far, I haven't had a problem.

I do exactly what Sherry does, even though I live in Boston and have access to banks, AmEx, AAA, etc.