exchanging currency
 

Hi people, what is the best/cheapest way to exchange currency BEFORE traveling to my destination? Also, I'm curious to know if the foreign ATMs (like the ones in Europe) have instructions written in English or not. Thanks.

If you want to have currency BEFORE traveling you will pay a bit of a premium for it, in fees &/or less favorable exchange rates. That's just facts. You can order it from your own bank, buy it from AAA or Thomas Cooke, get it at your departure airport.

Yes English is an option on ATM machines. But remember the number amount you request will be in the local currency (i.e., if you say 200 that means 200 euro or Swiss Franc or peso not 200 USD).

Hi adoggie,
You will have your choice of languages while using most ATMs abroad. The screen will prompt you, and you can choose, for example between English, French, Italian, German. No problems there. Suze cites accurate info, as the amount you'll be getting will be in Euros. Frankly, you will get the best exchange rate from using the ATM, so there's no need to bring a lot of cash with you, perhaps just enough for a taxi and a meal until you can get to an ATM.

BC

I generally carry some small bills with me (US $1 and $5) to pay for taxis and bellhops or to purchase food until I can get to a cash machine. If you do want local currency in advance, another resource is American Express. You can sign up online (using Visa, MC, debit or Amex) and they will send you the cash via a secure delivery method such as UPS.

Beth, I don't understand. You spend U.S. dollars directly in Europe without exchanging them? Giving USD to a taxi driver or bellhop or store?

I don't think that's very good advice. You need the currency of the country you are visiting.

<<< But remember the number amount you request will be in the local currency (i.e., if you say 200 that means 200 euro or Swiss Franc or peso not 200 USD).>>>

And in some countries like Egypt you have to type in 20000 in order to get 200 Egyptian pounds

We always get about 100E from our local bank prior to leaving. Expect to pay about an 8 to 10% premium on this side. In country, use a debit card tied to a checking account for additional cash and expect a premium of 1 to 3%. NEVER use a credit card for cash advance -- way to expensive.
Frank

And of course, if you keep any leftover pounds or euros after your trip, there's a perfect reason to return...I've always liked knowing I have "seed" money for the next trip!