Money exchange rates

[WGroleau]

I've read here and in other places complaints about exchange rates. Two suggestions:

1. Before starting, get a debit card from one of the banks that refund ATM fees. Schwab bank is mine, but I know there are others. In each city, get enough cash from an ATM to last till the next city big enough to have an ATM. And a little extra, in case some emergency requires a taxi or bus. (I also carried a second card, and more than once had to use it when some issue made the preferred card not work.)

2. Pay cash instead of credit. That way, you don't fall for the common trick of paying a "commission" for the conversion. One clown at McDonald's even had the gall to tell me the lie that they are required to do the transaction in "my" currency. He was left with an unpaid burger on the counter. (Many places will only accept cash.)

 

[DeaconDaveJones]

We have come to realize that our card that doesn't charge fees for foreign purchases, gets us a much better exchange rate than withdrawal of cash through an atm. And, while we still need cash for small things, anything over 15 euros can usually (not always) be paid for by card. Since my wife and I are walking together, this includes a lot of food and lodging bills.
But, if you are just getting a coffee... plan to pay cash. It costs the shops to use credit and they need you to spend enough that it's worth their effort.

 

[RRat]

I've read here and in other places complaints about exchange rates. Two suggestions:

1. Before starting, get a debit card from one of the banks that refund ATM fees. Schwab bank is mine, but I know there are others. In each city, get enough cash from an ATM to last till the next city big enough to have an ATM. And a little extra, in case some emergency requires a taxi or bus. (I also carried a second card, and more than once had to use it when some issue made the preferred card not work.)

2. Pay cash instead of credit. That way, you don't fall for the common trick of paying a "commission" for the conversion. One clown at McDonald's even had the gall to tell me the lie that they are required to do the transaction in "my" currency. He was left with an unpaid burger on the counter. (Many places will only accept cash.)

Start from home with a few hundred euros and replenish with few hundred when necessary. Always use ATM outside a bank during banking hours just in case there is a problem. I used my USA major bank debit cards and never had a problem. My fees were insignificant. Nothing worth getting another bank account or fretting over it. Perhaps because I'm old and remember using traveler's checks.

 

[David with new Kit!]

We have come to realize that our card that doesn't charge fees for foreign purchases, gets us a much better exchange rate than withdrawal of cash through an atm. And, while we still need cash for small things, anything over 15 euros can usually (not always) be paid for by card. Since my wife and I are walking together, this includes a lot of food and lodging bills.
But, if you are just getting a coffee... plan to pay cash. It costs the shops to use credit and they need you to spend enough that it's worth their effort.

When we were on the CF last September we were surprised how many places asked for cash. Don’t be surprised if you visit the ATM more than you are expecting to.

 

[Viscount Gumpy of Ol']

One clown at McDonald's

Sorry for distracting but that phrase gave me a smile for the morning.