What's the best way of paying for stuff when abroad? Especially ways, if any exist, of being able to spend money without having to pay for that "priviledge". Err... Yeah...
Cash is the best way to pay for stuff. To get cash, it is wise to take either an ATM card, credit card or traveller checks. I prefer the good-old ATM card though.
youre gonna kinda get screwed in europe due to the exchange rate. but the best is use credit card whenever you can. when you need cash just take a bunch out at an atm. if you get Travelex travelers checks from AAA Travelex places are sposed to cash them without a surcharge. if they refuse you just go to another place. the best thing is to just not worry about the difference. it's your vacation, man, have fun!@
The problem with the credit card stuff or atms is the fee for using them internationally and fees for the currency conversion and it's usually a % and if I just ignored it I probably wouldn't really be able to afford anything. That's far too big a drain on my finances when I'm trying to do it on a budget.. I was reading aboput the American Express traveller's cheque card... I could get it in a different currency like gbp or euros and then not have to worry about the currency conversion fees, but it's still like a $2.50 charge everytime I use an atm.. I think there's no charge for using it in stores as long as it's the same currency.. Anyone else know more about it?
Yeah bring cash it's best, you get screwed either way when you change the money. There's no cheap way to do it, but it's handiest to have cash and travellers cheques.
"spare change for pcp and a hand gernade? im going right for the white house" that one usually earns me a few bucks. ~shine on in love and light~ sundance
The ATM fees are worth not loosing the whole amount, or the risk of being robbed of all of your cash. I take it out in 2 day incriments, and factor the cost as part of my travel expense. The interesting part is that once I take the cash, it feels SPENT, like I am spending it at the ATM. I try to manage my trips to ATM rather than my money, per se. I came back from Vence with cash in my pocket and really regretted that I passed on the Gondola Ride, just to save 60.00. The memory would have been better than the money. Now I have to go back to take that ride. The trip back is going to cost much more than the money saved. Good luck on your trip, James
the UK post office doesnt charge any commission. you loose a little exchanging money through taxes, but its the best way to do it if its pounds yer getting
