So here's the deal, im heading out to Italy for 9 days
what would you do?
bring cash and convert to EUR there?
use my atm card and take the 3% exchange charge + atm fee?
just charge everything and take the 3% on top of the purchase?
help....

 

Bring cash and exchange... Bring ATM/Credit card for emergencies

 

Your bank charge exchange fees? WTF


BTW usually credit cards have some of the best exchange rate in the industry. i pretty much never rbing cash with me when i go to a different country unless i dont think i will be able to take out at ATMs.

 

I'd do the exchange at your local bank before you go. They don't have the funds on hand, so they'll have to order it ... which takes about 3 business days.

They'll hit you a fee, but it's the easiest.


If you have extra money and you're coming home, be sure to blow it at the Airport's duty free. Get some booze or something.

You'll get hammered trying to exchange the foreign funds back into US currency.

 

Yeah.. its a small bank. TCF
i thought CC had the better rate but i was shocked when they said they charge 3% on every purchase....

has anyone every use travelers checks?

 

dont use travelers check alot of business wont take them so you'll be stuck with having to go to the bank to exchange them in cash and they will charge you. Honestly easiest and cheapest is ATM and Credit Cards

 

3% really isn't that much...I mean, if you spend $1,000 when you're over there, that's a total fee of only $30. Not too bad for spending a grand.