best way to get foreign currency?

[mrose1120]

Hi all,

I'm traveling to Europe (Italy and Spain mainly) in a month and I want to know the best place to get currency either before, or when I get there with being charged hte least fee. I do not have a credit card that has no fee for it and I don't plan on getting one. I have a BOA Checking and Chase and am willing to get the currency before we leave or once we are in the countries.

thanks!

[JoJoDaClown]

You really don't want to be carrying much currency with you while traveling over, but it's always wise to have about 50 euro for when you land to take a taxi where you need to go, and maybe some food. I'd find out from your bank what the rate and fees are for withdrawing money from an ATM overseas. My bank actually let me withdraw at what the conversion rate that day was, and then a $10 fee per transaction (that's great for me since I'd pull out 200 Euro at a time).

I'd ask your bank if they or someone local does currency exchange. If not, there's always places at the major airports, but the rates are somewhat poor and sometimes some fees, so only do it for a small amount, like the 50 Euro I said.

[JoJoDaClown]

Try this link. Some good information.

What credit and debit cards to use overseas (http://www.usatoday.com/travel/deals/inside/2009-05-21-best-overseas-credit-card_N.htm)

[akshar]

Try this link. Some good information.

What credit and debit cards to use overseas (http://www.usatoday.com/travel/deals/inside/2009-05-21-best-overseas-credit-card_N.htm)

great info .........thanks!!

[Zoe Moon]

Some US banks don't even charge a fee. Just the current transaction rate. That's what we do when we travel to Europe. We just get money at an ATM at the airport. Never, ever use the exchange places as they are a rip off. If you need money and there's not an ATM to be found, go to a bank. But in most places, you'll be able to find an ATM.

[JoJoDaClown]

great info .........thanks!!

Glad I could help. Grumble.. rep points. . grumble.

[mrose1120]

thanks for the info.. It seems that there is no free atms in italy via BofA, thats obnoxious..... now i'm not sure what to do

[Zoe Moon]

Yeah, you'll be hit by a fee from the European bank that owns the ATM but many US banks won't add a fee on top of that. If withdraw the maximum amount allowed, then you shouldn't have too many fees. We usually only withdraw money a couple of times during a two week stay. Most places take travelers checks and/or allow you to use your visa or bank card for purchases. So you don't really need a huge amount of cash.

[brendo927]

are you surprised its boa....

[General Ghoul]

You can order the currency from BoA before you leave, just give them a few days to get it in. Shouldn't be any fee if you are an account holder.

[mugupo]

Hi all,

I'm traveling to Europe (Italy and Spain mainly) in a month and I want to know the best place to get currency either before, or when I get there with being charged hte least fee. I do not have a credit card that has no fee for it and I don't plan on getting one. I have a BOA Checking and Chase and am willing to get the currency before we leave or once we are in the countries.

thanks!

Euro currency is unstable and goes and down very often. Don't had a credit card could be issue, since if you use your checking card oversee, if get stolen, they take money direct from your checking, but if you use credit card, aleast they can't touch your checking.

You should bring enough dollar that cover your expense, exchange currency when you get there, but also advice to get some euro enough for aleast for 2 days before your travel.

[mrose1120]

Euro currency is unstable and goes and down very often. Don't had a credit card could be issue, since if you use your checking card oversee, if get stolen, they take money direct from your checking, but if you use credit card, aleast they can't touch your checking.

You should bring enough dollar that cover your expense, exchange currency when you get there, but also advice to get some euro enough for aleast for 2 days before your travel.

well, I have credit cards, but none that are friendly to use oversees.

There is also a big chance if I take too much in euros prior to leaving cause I can lose that a lot easier than getting my ATM card stolen and they can only do so much with my check card like use it as a visa and then I can just dispute the charges...

Also, I don't get the "what do you expect its boa" comment...i've been very happy w/ them for like 6 years now...no real problems, no excessive fees and if you travel to the right country, the global alliance seems great