Euro buy

[woodranch]

Will be arriving in Venice this Sunday for a start of our cruise.I was thinking to buy a couple hundred dollards in Euros before I arrive, so I will have some money.Where is the best place to exchange before I leave.At our local bank or at the airport.Please advise...Thanks

[kazu]

Will be arriving in Venice this Sunday for a start of our cruise.I was thinking to buy a couple hundred dollards in Euros before I arrive, so I will have some money.Where is the best place to exchange before I leave.At our local bank or at the airport.Please advise...Thanks

we always take some euros with us. I find the bank (but we live in Canada) offers a better rate than the commission that the airport charges (plus i can choose when to buy and the exchange rate). The atms work great in Europe which a lot of people use. Just watch how much each machine will give out (some only do a couple hundred euros):D

have a great time in Venice - we really enjoyed it:D:D

[3rdGenCunarder]

It's always a good idea to have some "local money" in hand when you arrive at a foreign destination. We get foreign currency from our bank. Their rate is good and account holders don't pay fees.

A couple of reminders. If you're going to use your ATM card overseas, tell your bank before you go. Also, you may need to change your pin. a lot of overseas ATMs have no letters on the keypad and they don't accept a pin longer than 4 digits.

Some banks belong to an international group that waives fees for account holders of member banks. Bank of America does this, other banks may also do this. Also ask your bank if there's a difference in the fee structure for using your ATM card as a credit card with restaurants or shops. I was suprised to learn that the fees from my bank are higher for credit-card use than for debit use at an ATM. We typically use the debit at an ATM and a "real" credit card for restaurants.

Enjoy your trip!

[whogo]

Your local bank should provide euros much cheaper than airport exchange bureaus. For reference, Bank of America and Wells Fargo both mark up the exchange rate by 5% to 6%. The former charges $7.50 delivery, the latter charges $15. Travelex at airports quote a 13% markup and add on a $10 fee for small amounts.

Your ATM card should be much cheaper. Your issuer may be listed on this comparison website: http://flyerguide.com/wiki/index.php/Credit/Debit/ATM_Cards_and_Foreign_Exchange

I do not buy foreign currency in the US and rely on my ATM card for foreign currency. I know my ATM card works and I have a backup, as does my spouse. Excellent advice from Rick Steves: http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/moneytip.htm

[iancal]

We have not found that airport exchange rates are very good. We also do not like the bank (we live in Canada) exchange rates-their buy and sell rates are not competitive and they do not have a good choice of bill denominations for walk up clients. Our local automobile association also does exchange, but their rates are tied to what the bank charges-but two days behind.

We are fortunate to have two competing retail foreign exchange offices in our city. Both offer a much better buy and sell rate-considerably better than the bank. If fact, I know of bank employees who use them in preference to bank employee exchange rates!

You might want to see if there are any similar retail exchange stores in your vicinity. We use a lot of cash when we travel in Europe (we often ask for and get discounts for cash at hotels etc.) and find that our banks ATM rate is OK-not great but OK.

[chrispb]

Don't know where you're from, but we Brits are always being advised that exchange rates are not good the at airports (or nearby). Do you have comparison sites that you can check first? The site I use checks the Post Office, Travel Agents and other exchange companies to see which is offering the best rate. Banks here are usually offering rubbish exchange rates.

[3rdGenCunarder]

Your local bank should provide euros much cheaper than airport exchange bureaus. For reference, Bank of America and Wells Fargo both mark up the exchange rate by 5% to 6%. The former charges $7.50 delivery, the latter charges $15. Travelex at airports quote a 13% markup and add on a $10 fee for small amounts.

Your ATM card should be much cheaper. Your issuer may be listed on this comparison website: http://flyerguide.com/wiki/index.php/Credit/Debit/ATM_Cards_and_Foreign_Exchange

I do not buy foreign currency in the US and rely on my ATM card for foreign currency. I know my ATM card works and I have a backup, as does my spouse. Excellent advice from Rick Steves: http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/moneytip.htm

If your BAM branch is fairly large, they may keep common currencies, like Pounds and Euros on hand, in which case you can go in and pick up the money without paying a delivery fee.

[catl331]

If you have an AAA office nearby you can pick up what they call a "tip pack" of Euro to hold you until you can find an ATM in Venice. The exchange rate is poor, though.

[whogo]

If your BAM branch is fairly large, they may keep common currencies, like Pounds and Euros on hand, in which case you can go in and pick up the money without paying a delivery fee.Good point. You can also avoid the Wells Fargo delivery fee by using one of their International Teller sites: https://www.foreignexchangeservices.com/index.html?partnerid=FES&serviceType=stores

Also, note that foreign currency purchases made with a credit card may be treated as a cash advance.

[3rdGenCunarder]

Good point. You can also avoid the Wells Fargo delivery fee by using one of their International Teller sites: https://www.foreignexchangeservices.com/index.html?partnerid=FES&serviceType=stores

Also, note that foreign currency purchases made with a credit card may be treated as a cash advance.

VERY GOOD POINT! And something to be avoided, as the interest rates are killers!

[DEL67]

I would use an ATM at the airport to get your Euros.

We keep about 50 Euros from trip to trip to start us off. Other than that we use ATMs at the airport and/or banks. They generally provide the best rate of exchange and both DD and I have ATM cards that not only do not charge fees, but will reimburse you for any fees the other bank charges.

[bellebride116]

I would find out if your local bank has any Europeon partners. We found out that our bank doesn't charge anything as long as we take it out of an ATM at a partner bank, but visa does charge 1%.

[carolmacey]

On our recent month long trip, I got 100 euros and 100 pounds before we left. I used credit cards when making large purchases, but otherwise, the euros and pounds lasted the entire month.
Usually we use ATM machines, but remember you will pay for the service as well as currency exchange rate. Just have to compare that with your bank rate and allow for the convenience of having the money ahead of time.

[Sunshine91]

We've just always found an ATM at the airport to withdraw local currency - if later in the trip we need additional cash (or a different currency) we'll find another ATM. In the grand scheme of things, when paying several thousand $$ for the cruise & airfare, worrying over a buck or 2 in bank fees or exchange rates just isn't worth it. :) We just don't travel abroad that much to be concerned about those kinds of fees piling up.

Of course we always let our bank & credit card issuers know our plans in advance, so that our foreign transactions go thru.

[lastlook]

There is an ATM right inside the baggage claim area at the Marco Polo airport in Venice. We used it without any problem in May of this year.

[whogo]

We've just always found an ATM at the airport to withdraw local currency - if later in the trip we need additional cash (or a different currency) we'll find another ATM. In the grand scheme of things, when paying several thousand $$ for the cruise & airfare, worrying over a buck or 2 in bank fees or exchange rates just isn't worth it. :) We just don't travel abroad that much to be concerned about those kinds of fees piling up.

Of course we always let our bank & credit card issuers know our plans in advance, so that our foreign transactions go thru. The difference can be a whole lot more than a buck or two. A good ATM card will give you $99 to $100 worth of foreign currency for $100. Travelex in a US airport will give you only $78.30 worth of foreign currency for $100.

[luv2vacation]

I usually just travel with credit cards and leave my bank card at home. I have only cruised to ports that accept the US dollar so this has not been a problem but now I am wanting to take a cruise in Europe. I am a little uncomfortable with the idea of taking the card that is connected to my bank accounts. In the case of theft or loss I wouldn't want to have my bank accounts wiped out. Do most of you use your debit cards connected to your bank accounts in the ATM's or do you have a separate account for purposes like this? I know this probably sounds silly to some but this whole thing is new to me. Thanks!

[whogo]

I usually just travel with credit cards and leave my bank card at home. I have only cruised to ports that accept the US dollar so this has not been a problem but now I am wanting to take a cruise in Europe. I am a little uncomfortable with the idea of taking the card that is connected to my bank accounts. In the case of theft or loss I wouldn't want to have my bank accounts wiped out. Do most of you use your debit cards connected to your bank accounts in the ATM's or do you have a separate account for purposes like this? I know this probably sounds silly to some but this whole thing is new to me. Thanks!I take my debit card connected to my bank account and do not worry. Quoting Wells Fargo:
"Your Wells Fargo Debit Card comes with Zero Liability protection at no extra cost.

"You won’t be held responsible for any unauthorized purchases or ATM transactions, as long as they are reported promptly."

[hrhdhd]

"You won’t be held responsible for any unauthorized purchases or ATM transactions, as long as they are reported promptly."

Maybe not, but the question is how long does it take them to credit the amount back to your account? Banks want people to use debit cards and claim to offer protection, but the logistics of reporting a stolen card and getting the money back in your account while overseas are not something I'd want to deal with. Those who have a relatively small balance in the account could be stuck for a while!

[luv2vacation]

Maybe not, but the question is how long does it take them to credit the amount back to your account? Banks want people to use debit cards and claim to offer protection, but the logistics of reporting a stolen card and getting the money back in your account while overseas are not something I'd want to deal with. Those who have a relatively small balance in the account could be stuck for a while!

I agree with this. It is just not something I would want to have to deal with. Even if I did get all the money back it would be a complication in the middle of my vacation.

[kazu]

Maybe not, but the question is how long does it take them to credit the amount back to your account? Banks want people to use debit cards and claim to offer protection, but the logistics of reporting a stolen card and getting the money back in your account while overseas are not something I'd want to deal with. Those who have a relatively small balance in the account could be stuck for a while!

I can't speak for the US banks, but in Canada, you are looking at instantly (most times) to 24 hours. As long as you don't have your pin written down in your wallet or whatever, you are fine. and you didn't give it out to someone else:eek:

Little chance of your card being used unless it is skimmed (ways to check that at ATM's. I am sure now you will see anti skimming devices at most ATMS.

We travel with our cards all the times, have never had an issue. I do check and dh stands in front so no one sees what we are doing, how much money we are getting or what my pin is:D

I take euros with me, but don't hesitate to take my debit card with me and use it at any time:) I do use the ship's internet to check both my credit cards and our bank account when we are onboard;)

also, before I go away, I notify my credit card and my bank to make sure that they are aware. It can help a lot

[DugboatLarry]

If your a Yank,,try a chase credit card.. along with the atm's that everyone advises.. no charge.

[bernie5]

Just a word about ATMs in Europe. I did not take a large amount of Euro with me and relied on ATMs. They are readily available but you have to find one and that takes time--I would rather be sight seeing. Most places do take CC but do not want/like to. A lot of places give you a better price on your purchases if you paid in cash. Last point, most of the ATM machines will only give you 200-250Euro a day. If you are paying cash for a day long tour for two plus lunch and gelato then 200E does not go far. You can also obtain Euro on board the ship.

[3rdGenCunarder]

If your a Yank,,try a chase credit card.. along with the atm's that everyone advises.. no charge.

Read the fine print before you stick a credit card into an atm!

Not all Chase cards have no charges for using an atm. There may not be a transaction fee, but a credit card usually charges a hefty interest rate for a cash advance. It's better to use a debit card at an atm.

For anyone who is worried about using a debit card overseas, ask your bank for a phone number that you can use from abroad. (800 number may not work out of the US) My bank has a number that allows you to call collect 24/7 in case of an emergency. We have used our debit card in many countries and never had a problem, but it's good to have that "just in case" phone number!

[Sunshine91]

The difference can be a whole lot more than a buck or two. A good ATM card will give you $99 to $100 worth of foreign currency for $100. Travelex in a US airport will give you only $78.30 worth of foreign currency for $100.

Excuse me, but my comment was about the minor cost of obtaining foreign currency at foreign ATMs. Your reference to Travelex - I don't even know what that is. :confused:

I usually just travel with credit cards and leave my bank card at home. I have only cruised to ports that accept the US dollar so this has not been a problem but now I am wanting to take a cruise in Europe. I am a little uncomfortable with the idea of taking the card that is connected to my bank accounts. In the case of theft or loss I wouldn't want to have my bank accounts wiped out. Do most of you use your debit cards connected to your bank accounts in the ATM's or do you have a separate account for purposes like this? I know this probably sounds silly to some but this whole thing is new to me. Thanks!

Take that cruise to Europe! You'll have a blast. :)
Trying not to be too too TMI here, but let's go: the husband & I have 2 checking accounts. One for paying all of the regular bills, the second one for other for stuff. This second account generally has a much smaller balance & is also tied to a much smaller savings account. But when we travel, this is the account we load w/spending cash. We use this account to make withdrawals from ATMs for local currency. We use the credit cards for some purchases.

I take euros with me, but don't hesitate to take my debit card with me and use it at any time:) I do use the ship's internet to check both my credit cards and our bank account when we are onboard;)
also, before I go away, I notify my credit card and my bank to make sure that they are aware. It can help a lot

I read your post to the husband & he about fell over. He's kind of freaky about network security that he wouldn't trust the ship's internet to check our accounts. Up until now, the longest we've been gone is just a couple of weeks. But this fall we'll be gone 3 - don't know what he's going to do. :rolleyes:

[luv2vacation]

Excuse me, but my comment was about the minor cost of obtaining foreign currency at foreign ATMs. Your reference to Travelex - I don't even know what that is. :confused:



Take that cruise to Europe! You'll have a blast. :)
Trying not to be too too TMI here, but let's go: the husband & I have 2 checking accounts. One for paying all of the regular bills, the second one for other for stuff. This second account generally has a much smaller balance & is also tied to a much smaller savings account. But when we travel, this is the account we load w/spending cash. We use this account to make withdrawals from ATMs for local currency. We use the credit cards for some purchases.



I read your post to the husband & he about fell over. He's kind of freaky about network security that he wouldn't trust the ship's internet to check our accounts. Up until now, the longest we've been gone is just a couple of weeks. But this fall we'll be gone 3 - don't know what he's going to do. :rolleyes:

Thanks for your post. I am also 'freaky' about network security and wouldn't trust the ships internet to check my accounts. Also, most of the ships I have been on have the slowest internet connections. I have no desire to spend my vacation time worrying about my accounts. I like to be as carefree as possible on vacation. I like the idea of having a 2nd checking account with a small amount of money for travel purposes. I think it may be the way to go for me.

[kazu]

Thanks for your post. I am also 'freaky' about network security and wouldn't trust the ships internet to check my accounts. Also, most of the ships I have been on have the slowest internet connections. I have no desire to spend my vacation time worrying about my accounts. I like to be as carefree as possible on vacation. I like the idea of having a 2nd checking account with a small amount of money for travel purposes. I think it may be the way to go for me.

If you are concerned about the ship (which I am not - the server you connect to with your bank is still secure - just look for the lock sign) then you can check at an internet spot in one of the ports. Just close your browser when you are done for extra protection. Since you are using a different computer, the bank will ask for your verifications to insure it is you.

it doesn't take long to check, so even if it is a bit slow, it doesn't eat up a lot of minutes. I have checked into this and was told it was safe. Most banks guarantee their on line banking and if there are any issues will refund. (retired banker here). Best bet - if in doubt, ask your bank.:)

I just realized you might use a 'second' chequing account for abm transactions. Make sure it is set up as a primary chequing on your abm access while you are away. Many European atms will only let you access your primary chequing account. It can be switched back when you return.

[3rdGenCunarder]

If you are concerned about the ship (which I am not - the server you connect to with your bank is still secure - just look for the lock sign) then you can check at an internet spot in one of the ports. Just close your browser when you are done for extra protection. Since you are using a different computer, the bank will ask for your verifications to insure it is you.

it doesn't take long to check, so even if it is a bit slow, it doesn't eat up a lot of minutes. I have checked into this and was told it was safe. Most banks guarantee their on line banking and if there are any issues will refund. (retired banker here). Best bet - if in doubt, ask your bank.:)

I just realized you might use a 'second' chequing account for abm transactions. Make sure it is set up as a primary chequing on your abm access while you are away. Many European atms will only let you access your primary chequing account. It can be switched back when you return.

I would feel more comfortable using a computer on the ship than shoreside. In addition to closing the browser, I delete browsing history before I log off/shut down.

Good point about the primary checking account. I can access any account at my bank's atm, but out of the US, all I see is my primary. This almost was a huge problem for us last spring when we were in England. I had written tax checks just before we left and had intended to go online to move money from another account into my primary for the sake of travel. I forgot. A few days later, we were in England. I woke up in the middle of the night in a panic, thinking I might have bounced a check on the IRS :eek: and would not be able to get money from an atm. I had no internet access. I called my bank (in the middle of the night) and did a phone transfer from the other account into the primary. He asked a ton of security questions to make sure it was me, so I felt that it was a very safe thing to do. Thank goodness I always travel with a list of credit card and bank phone numbers!!!

[luv2vacation]

If you are concerned about the ship (which I am not - the server you connect to with your bank is still secure - just look for the lock sign) then you can check at an internet spot in one of the ports. Just close your browser when you are done for extra protection. Since you are using a different computer, the bank will ask for your verifications to insure it is you.

it doesn't take long to check, so even if it is a bit slow, it doesn't eat up a lot of minutes. I have checked into this and was told it was safe. Most banks guarantee their on line banking and if there are any issues will refund. (retired banker here). Best bet - if in doubt, ask your bank.:)

I just realized you might use a 'second' chequing account for abm transactions. Make sure it is set up as a primary chequing on your abm access while you are away. Many European atms will only let you access your primary chequing account. It can be switched back when you return.


Thanks for the tip about making the 2nd checking account the primary one. I never would have thought to do that.

[jtl513]

If you are concerned about the ship (which I am not - the server you connect to with your bank is still secure - just look for the lock sign) then you can check at an internet spot in one of the ports. Just close your browser when you are done for extra protection. This is FAR riskier than using the ship's internet. You never know what kind of a keystroke logger someone has installed on a shore computer. Deleting your browsing history and closing the browser does no good if every single key you pressed has been stored away for later review!

That is much less likely to happen on a ship since user capabilities there are limited. To make it even more secure on board, I only use my own netbook, and access my bank accounts early in the morning or late at night from my cabin to lessen the odds of eaves-dropping on the wifi signal.