Warning to Americans Abroad

[BeBeReader]

We were on the same cruise and had no trouble changing dollars for Euros in Barcelona. I thought the commission was ridiculously high - just about the same as on the Regatta.

 

We will be in Germany during May. Anybody know about the dollar/Euro situation in Germany? I think we will get Euros here before we leave.

[almtyrob]

Besides my cap, I suppose the fact that I am taking 100's of pictures of magnificent sites gives me away too?! Sorry..but I am a tourist in a foreign land and am not embarrassed about it. I'm not trying to be a local!:confused: And I'm spending my hard-earned "weak" dollars.

[Miata6]

If it makes any of you feel any better, the Eagle still flies in Egypt!! People there very willing (and able) to take US$. Big smiles.

[lahore]

If it makes any of you feel any better, the Eagle still flies in Egypt!! People there very willing (and able) to take US$. Big smiles.

 

Ha ha, sorry, but in Egypt they'll take anything :p (tongue firmly planeted in cheek).

[BillMorrow]

Actually, there probably was easy work around for them. They could have gone to the local American Express office and used their dollars to pruchase Euro denominated travelers checks. Travelers checks aren't used nearly as much as they once were, but Christie's most likely would have taken them.

[2kiwis]

 

That said, we leave for the Baltics on Regatta in 7 weeks. The exchange rate is so bad now that I am sure than any shopping I do will be very minimal. Other than a souvenier or two, there is little that I can buy there that I can't buy here at home which is good for the local economy. And because of the exchange rate, rising fares and gas pricing, I will probably travel closer to home to maximize my travel dollars.

 

 

It's no fun is it .. way "down under" here in NZ and AUS we have been in that position "for ever", and to make matters worse for us, when cruising etc, we do not receive any special deals, free air etc as you do in the US, so travel has always been really expensive for us. :( Unfortunately, you just have to get on with it when you are on holiday and try not to think too much about the exchange rate as it can end up ruining your holiday

 

At least we are getting to enjoy the strength of our respective dollars at the moment which makes our holidaying a lot better. :)

 

It is going to be interesting to see if the American cruiselines, which have repeatedly ignored our pleas for equality in paying for their products, are going to be rushing out here to sell "specials" as their US market shrinks.

[pondnana]

Good point Kiwis. As a Canadian we are used to paying a premium. It is kind of fun to see the Americans doing it also as they have, until now, had the big end of the stick.

[Wendy The Wanderer]

Yes, we Canadians have suffered for lots of years. It's no fun for me to see my American friends suffering too, however. But it is gratifying to get some relief with the cost of travel from our high dollar, although we're still only on a level playing field with the yanks. Of course it helps big-time with trips south of the border.

[Bollinge]

I was surprised to see the original post. Here in Britain, every bank, Post Office, most travel agents and many stores will change your US dollars, as well as well as specialist Bureaux de Change. The prices fluctuate daily, and are posted on an electronic sign in the window or inside.

 

I am sure it's the same throughout Europe.

 

Of course the best and cheapest way to get foreign currency is with your debit card (with a Visa, MasterCard, Cirrus, Maestro symbol) out of a local ATM.

[monina01]

same thing here in Holland, no problem exchanging dollars for other currencies, no problem at all..

[UB & AS]

Ha ha, sorry, but in Egypt they'll take anything :p (tongue firmly planeted in cheek).

 

Lynn, This is completely off the topic but want to say hi. With strong CND$ we are headed your way. Millennium from Honolulu October 17 to Auckland then b2b on to Melbourne and end with a couple days in Sydney. Yesterday we booked Insignia sailing from Rio de Janeiro February 17 to Valparaiso, Chile via the Falklands. Both cruises included air from Vancouver, paying the one way fares is just too expensive for us. Some Canadians benefit from "free" air. Back to topic we travel with U.S.$ travelers' cheques and have never had any exchange problems. We generally buy enough local currencies at our local bank to take care of expected expenses.

 

To misquote another film, "we will always have Egypt." :p Cheers, Bill and Sandy

[lahore]

Hi Bill and Sandy, that's great, you'll enjoy both I'm sure. We are also doing a back to back in the Med/Turkey next year, we like the longer ones. Pity we won't be here when you are -I'm teaching in China for a month and Jon's coming for part of it. Enjoy..:)

[NorthernLite]

We were on the same cruise and had no trouble changing dollars for Euros in Barcelona. I thought the commission was ridiculously high - just about the same as on the Regatta.

 

We will be in Germany during May. Anybody know about the dollar/Euro situation in Germany? I think we will get Euros here before we leave.

 

 

From friends living in the Bonn area they haven't had problems exhanging US$ for Euros. This is on base, Deutches Bank, American Express and, always check how they figure it first, their credit and debit cards. Do buy a few before leaving in case of air delays, tips needed, etc.

 

This is so different from when I was a low ranking but rich enlisted soldier in the mid-'80s. Then American Express on military bases had limits on exchanging dollars to Deutch Marks per day to $1500.00 without a management signature like for rent/security deposits, cars, etc. The dollar was so strong there were a few cases of speculation going on and those were prosecuted. I still have my Wurstoff Trident knives collected as I figured out what I needed and they are still a deal today. Oh the great dresses and stilettos I could afford with the DM at 3.50 to the dollar.

 

So gloat. And enjoy visiting us while it lasts. Oh, do ask for senior or under 12 and student discounts (college with ID) too everywhere you go. Welcome to America. Some of us are pretty nice. :-)