Re: [CGUYS] Cash in the EU
http://www.rd.com/debit-card-traps-and-fees-to-avoid/article50626.html -Original Message- From: Tom Piwowar [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, May 05, 2008 7:26 PM Subject: Re: Cash in the EU You mean ... someone could steal your debit number and clear out your account? Wouldn't they need your pin #... or could they pick that up too somehow ? Lots of ways to get your PIN. I have seen pictures of phoney fronts that get stuck onto real ATMs. They read your card info and collect your PIN for later use. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Cash in the EU
Laws protect you for fraud with credit card with loss limited to $50 while no such protection is afforded the debit card use at all. -Original Message- From: db [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, May 05, 2008 12:17 AM Subject: Re: Cash in the EU What debit card risk are you referring to? If you lose it/ have it stolen? db b_s-wilk wrote: Travelers checks may be free here, but cost a lot to cash. Use CREDIT CARDS, never DEBIT CARDS for travel. The bank will take all of the risk, instead of you. Traveller's Checques are indeed passé. It's hard to find a place to cash them, and the hotels take like 5% for the pleasure. ATM cards are much easier. Travelled all over the UK last year, and every grocery store had ATMs I could use. Ellen H. - Original Message - From: Tom Piwowar [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: COMPUTERGUYS-L@LISTSERV.AOL.COM Sent: Saturday, May 03, 2008 4:15 PM Subject: Re: [CGUYS] Cash in the EU It has been a while, but I use to get Traveller's Checks in Euros for no fee. I don't recall anyone favorint that method. Are Traveller's Checks now passé? ** *** ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Cash in the EU
You mean ... someone could steal your debit number and clear out your account? Wouldn't they need your pin #... or could they pick that up too somehow ? Seems like it would be pretty safe if you just used it at ATM's for cash withdrawals/ currency conversion? db rlsimon wrote: Laws protect you for fraud with credit card with loss limited to $50 while no such protection is afforded the debit card use at all. -Original Message- From: db [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, May 05, 2008 12:17 AM Subject: Re: Cash in the EU What debit card risk are you referring to? If you lose it/ have it stolen? db b_s-wilk wrote: Travelers checks may be free here, but cost a lot to cash. Use CREDIT CARDS, never DEBIT CARDS for travel. The bank will take all of the risk, instead of you. Traveller's Checques are indeed passé. It's hard to find a place to cash them, and the hotels take like 5% for the pleasure. ATM cards are much easier. Travelled all over the UK last year, and every grocery store had ATMs I could use. Ellen H. - Original Message - From: Tom Piwowar [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: COMPUTERGUYS-L@LISTSERV.AOL.COM Sent: Saturday, May 03, 2008 4:15 PM Subject: Re: [CGUYS] Cash in the EU It has been a while, but I use to get Traveller's Checks in Euros for no fee. I don't recall anyone favorint that method. Are Traveller's Checks now passé? ** *** ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Cash in the EU
You mean ... someone could steal your debit number and clear out your account? Wouldn't they need your pin #... or could they pick that up too somehow ? Lots of ways to get your PIN. I have seen pictures of phoney fronts that get stuck onto real ATMs. They read your card info and collect your PIN for later use. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Cash in the EU
Thanks for the explanation Betty. Yes, my CC gives me cash back... not my debit card. Although I used to use my CC for foreign travel/ cash, I have been using my debit card more recently because the fees are lower. Thus my interest in your comments. Your points are good ones ... and have given me pause. thanks. dan b_s-wilk wrote: db [EMAIL PROTECTED] escribió: What debit card risk are you referring to? If you lose it/ have it stolen? Dan, When you use a debit card, it takes money directly from your bank account. If someone watches while you get cash at an ATM, they can get your PIN. There are ways they can rig ATMs to steal your card. You could be robbed on your way out of a store after someone near the register watched you input your PIN. Unlike debit cards, credit cards don't require PINs for store purchases but they're also checked through a database. You're as likely to lose money with a debit card online too, since the money is transferred from your bank account without the buffer of a credit card provider that is required to provide some theft protection by law. It's $50 max liability for credit cards, and $500 max for debit cards--big difference. My cards have been stolen, my account numbers have been compromised. I didn't lose any money. Debit card holders don't have the same level of protection. I also view my online accounts between billing statements to see if there are any unfamiliar purchases [that my husband didn't make]. A few years ago we returned from a holiday overseas and discovered that about $1000 had been charged at home on an account while we were away. You never know when or where your accounts will be compromised so we . We didn't pay anything on that account due to theft and aided in locating the thief. I also don't know of any debit cards that pay cash back since my Wilmington Savings Fund Society card stopped paying 3-5%. Are there any cash back debit cards left? All my credit cards pay me up to 5% to use them. Do yours? Betty * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Cash in the EU
Travelers checks may be free here, but cost a lot to cash. Use CREDIT CARDS, never DEBIT CARDS for travel. The bank will take all of the risk, instead of you. Traveller's Checques are indeed passé. It's hard to find a place to cash them, and the hotels take like 5% for the pleasure. ATM cards are much easier. Travelled all over the UK last year, and every grocery store had ATMs I could use. Ellen H. - Original Message - From: Tom Piwowar [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: COMPUTERGUYS-L@LISTSERV.AOL.COM Sent: Saturday, May 03, 2008 4:15 PM Subject: Re: [CGUYS] Cash in the EU It has been a while, but I use to get Traveller's Checks in Euros for no fee. I don't recall anyone favorint that method. Are Traveller's Checks now passé? * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Cash in the EU
Trav checks are hard to spend ...lotsa places don't takem ...also, they getcha on the rate and fees some places chargin' the exchange fee for EACH check !! ...my entire 2nd hand knowledgebase on the subject. I would like to thank everyone who answered my query about this some in extreme detail ...very helpful ...the best and nicest board I have ever visited !! -Original Message- From: Tom Piwowar [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, May 03, 2008 4:16 PM Subject: Re: Cash in the EU I think my atm card limits to $300 per day per atm visit while credit cards have $500 limit but that may be varying depending on the bank issuing ... www.xe.com will get you Euros and deliver them to you at your home at a pre-agreed midmarket rate which is not 2 bad ...of course, you need to be careful with cash. It has been a while, but I use to get Traveller's Checks in Euros for no fee. I don't recall anyone favorint that method. Are Traveller's Checks now passé? * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Cash in the EU
What debit card risk are you referring to? If you lose it/ have it stolen? db b_s-wilk wrote: Travelers checks may be free here, but cost a lot to cash. Use CREDIT CARDS, never DEBIT CARDS for travel. The bank will take all of the risk, instead of you. Traveller's Checques are indeed passé. It's hard to find a place to cash them, and the hotels take like 5% for the pleasure. ATM cards are much easier. Travelled all over the UK last year, and every grocery store had ATMs I could use. Ellen H. - Original Message - From: Tom Piwowar [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: COMPUTERGUYS-L@LISTSERV.AOL.COM Sent: Saturday, May 03, 2008 4:15 PM Subject: Re: [CGUYS] Cash in the EU It has been a while, but I use to get Traveller's Checks in Euros for no fee. I don't recall anyone favorint that method. Are Traveller's Checks now passé? * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Cash in the EU
I would like to thank everyone who answered my query about this some in extreme detail ...very helpful ...the best and nicest board I have ever visited !! Please send us postcards, photos, Flickr, Twitter. Here's mine, http://geocities.com/solar1001/Decider.jpg. Enjoy your trip! Betty * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Cash in the EU
I think my atm card limits to $300 per day per atm visit while credit cards have $500 limit but that may be varying depending on the bank issuing ... www.xe.com will get you Euros and deliver them to you at your home at a pre-agreed midmarket rate which is not 2 bad ...of course, you need to be careful with cash. It has been a while, but I use to get Traveller's Checks in Euros for no fee. I don't recall anyone favorint that method. Are Traveller's Checks now passé? * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Cash in the EU
On purchases, I get a rebate, yes. But, alas, not for withdrawal of cash at an atm. I have the option of doing a wire transfer to my family member's bank there but I don't know if the rate will be a wholesale conversion rate like with the credit/atm cards or another less advantageous rate...??? -Original Message- From: Tom Piwowar [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, April 29, 2008 9:38 PM Subject: Re: Cash in the EU My own experience since the early 1990s has been to use a credit card for purchases as much as possible. Since the credit card companies convert huge sums of money routinely, all those commissions, etc., are minimized. Past experience does not serve that well. What was once the best way can now be among the worst. There are now significant fees when using a credit card. Even checking first does not tell all because you don't know the conversion rate. If one bank charges 3% and another 0% you may still pay more with the 0% bank because they give you an unfair conversion rate. Also have to consider if the card gives you a rebate. That can give you back 1 to 3%. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Cash in the EU
I would consider getting one of the ATM debit cards from that table I posted that have no or little fee charge and do it that way. I think it will be the easiest, most flexible and give you as good as rate as any ... db rlsimon wrote: On purchases, I get a rebate, yes. But, alas, not for withdrawal of cash at an atm. I have the option of doing a wire transfer to my family member's bank there but I don't know if the rate will be a wholesale conversion rate like with the credit/atm cards or another less advantageous rate...??? -Original Message- From: Tom Piwowar [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, April 29, 2008 9:38 PM Subject: Re: Cash in the EU My own experience since the early 1990s has been to use a credit card for purchases as much as possible. Since the credit card companies convert huge sums of money routinely, all those commissions, etc., are minimized. Past experience does not serve that well. What was once the best way can now be among the worst. There are now significant fees when using a credit card. Even checking first does not tell all because you don't know the conversion rate. If one bank charges 3% and another 0% you may still pay more with the 0% bank because they give you an unfair conversion rate. Also have to consider if the card gives you a rebate. That can give you back 1 to 3%. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Cash in the EU
rlsimon wrote: Does anyone know if the best way to get spending cash in the EU while on travel from the US is to use a bank card or charge card at an ATM as far as rate of exchange, etc.?? IMHO, ATM and debit cards are the best way to convert, followed by credit cards. Credit cards may charge a fee per transaction; this fee varies according to who owns the credit card. But be aware that not all locations in Europe will accept these. I go yearly to a small village on the French Riviera (the Bay of Saint Tropez) that has no ATM machines. The banks in the region have never heard of an ATM card, nor the tourist office. My NRL Federal Credit Union ATM card is worthless there. This year I am taking a debit card from both my bank and my credit union. Another anomaly is traveler's checks. I cashed my traveler's checks at the village French post office on the last trip without a problem. But when I went to Paris, the traveler's checks wouldn't be accepted by the French post office since they were Visa traveler's checks, not American Express. But Paris has ATM card machines. One question I would like to know the answer to: what is the daily limit on withdrawal from a bankcard machine? Since I must pay in cash to rent a villa immediately upon arrival in the villa (and later, to rent an apartment in Vienna, Austria), I might need to bring Euros with me if that limit is less than the rental payment. * You didn't ask but: check the US State Department for travel advisories for the places that you are going. Four years ago I was robbed of money in the village. (The villa that I rented was the entire top floor of a mansion surrounded by a wrought-iron fence. All windows had bars except the top floor. In the night while my daughters were sleeping a burglar climbed onto the roof, swung down into their bedroom window, seized all valuables, and threw them to the ground four stories below. Thankfully, most of the stolen money was traveler's checks which were replaced in Paris.) Afterwards, one daughter continued to India where she was robbed twice more. In the case of southern France, the state department advises that vehicles keep all windows rolled up while traveling because motorcyclists may grab purses and other valuables thru an open window when stopped for a traffic light and then they speed off. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Cash in the EU
rlsimon wrote: On purchases, I get a rebate, yes. But, alas, not for withdrawal of cash at an atm. I have the option of doing a wire transfer to my family member's bank there but I don't know if the rate will be a wholesale conversion rate like with the credit/atm cards or another less advantageous rate...??? - At my commercial bank, a wire transfer cost about $45 for each transfer. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Cash in the EU
b_s-wilk wrote: snip We had to pay cash for an apartment we rented for a few weeks last summer. Took three days to come up with 900 euros, since the clown ATMs wouldn't give us more than 200 euros each day, and we had three different credit cards but, the clown bank ATM wouldn't take my Chase MC. Betty If this is the case, I have no choice but to convert to Euros here to take with me for my first rental. I'm staying in the same villa but there is a new owner who employs a realty company that demands full payment before I get the key to the villa. I must have about 500 Euros a few hours after my plane arrives in Nice, France. What is the best way to convert dollars to Euros here? I dwell in Northern Virginia. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Cash in the EU
At my commercial bank, a wire transfer cost about $45 for each transfer. I had to do this last year. My bank was making a big deal about it and wanted a high fee. After some digging around on the web I found the best rate was to make a wire transfer to an Italian post office via WalMart (yes that WalMart). The money was available in only a couple of hours. While the bank was stressed by the request, the folks at WalMart's customer service counter looked like they do this all day long. Had better hours too. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Cash in the EU
What is the best way to convert dollars to Euros here? I dwell in Northern Virginia. WalMart. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Cash in the EU
Wire transfers are so last century. There's Paypal and similar services in other countries. We needed to pay cash for an apartment in Greece this year. They said to wire it to a bank account in Austria. I said, No, how about Paypal? They said no, but there's another service that they use. That's when I found out about a European version of Paypal called MoneyBookers. Bob opened an account and used a credit card to put money in the apt. owner's account. We're all happy! I'm happier because they gave me a free SIM card for my phone to use for cheap mobile calls and texts while traveling--at least it's significantly cheaper than my home T-Mobile account. Wire transfers = $45. MoneyBookers/Paypal = $0. Your choice! Betty rlsimon wrote: On purchases, I get a rebate, yes. But, alas, not for withdrawal of cash at an atm. I have the option of doing a wire transfer to my family member's bank there but I don't know if the rate will be a wholesale conversion rate like with the credit/atm cards or another less advantageous rate...??? - At my commercial bank, a wire transfer cost about $45 for each transfer. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Cash in the EU
Service charges are usually much higher for converting currency in the US, unless there are banks/services in DC that specialize in that. Call around. There may be good deals, just not where I live. Try to avoid changing money before you leave. Ask friends and acquaintances who have traveled recently if they have euros to sell to you. Otherwise, wait until you arrive in Nice. I think that ATMs in France either don't charge a fee or have very low fees. The two of us each carry two credit cards [2 commercial, 2 credit union]. Some ATMs will allow you to get up to 500 euros in cash, but if you have several cards, you can use each up to the limit in an ATM to pay for lodging, especially when the limit is as low as €200. Be sure you have cards that use several networks too. One MasterCard using the Cirrus network didn't work in some ATMs, while the one from Plus network had no problems. Remember, you can haggle to reduce fees when you get cash in person, too. There are enough of ATMs in Nice. It's a good town for walking and you should be able to find several quickly. In France, at least in Provence and Languedoc, some of the best exchange rates are in the cash machines in hypermarkets like Carrefour and Auchan. We had to pay cash for an apartment we rented for a few weeks last summer. Took three days to come up with 900 euros, since the clown ATMs wouldn't give us more than 200 euros each day, and we had three different credit cards but, the clown bank ATM wouldn't take my Chase MC. If this is the case, I have no choice but to convert to Euros here to take with me for my first rental. I'm staying in the same villa but there is a new owner who employs a realty company that demands full payment before I get the key to the villa. I must have about 500 Euros a few hours after my plane arrives in Nice, France. What is the best way to convert dollars to Euros here? I dwell in Northern Virginia. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Cash in the EU
We've always used bank cards at foreign ATM's to get the best rates. Our experience is that you get better rates dealing directly with your own bank via ATM's rather than going through a conversion agency. We also get cash just as needed in country rather than taking it over from here so we don't end up with too much left over. Hopefully, some more experienced travelers will weigh in with their suggestions. FYI, remember that Britain still is on it's own standard, if you end up going there. Richard P. Does anyone know if the best way to get spending cash in the EU while on travel from the US is to use a bank card or charge card at an ATM as far as rate of exchange, etc.?? * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Cash in the EU
See the following for a table of major credit card/ debit card companies and their currency-conversion-fee policies : http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/pf/travelminiguide/conversion-costs1.asp?caret=16 db Richard P. wrote: We've always used bank cards at foreign ATM's to get the best rates. Our experience is that you get better rates dealing directly with your own bank via ATM's rather than going through a conversion agency. We also get cash just as needed in country rather than taking it over from here so we don't end up with too much left over. Hopefully, some more experienced travelers will weigh in with their suggestions. FYI, remember that Britain still is on it's own standard, if you end up going there. Richard P. Does anyone know if the best way to get spending cash in the EU while on travel from the US is to use a bank card or charge card at an ATM as far as rate of exchange, etc.?? * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Cash in the EU
My own experience since the early 1990s has been to use a credit card for purchases as much as possible. Since the credit card companies convert huge sums of money routinely, all those commissions, etc., are minimized. It took the Europeans a long time to accept the idea of credit purchases, but by now just about everyone is on board. Dan * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Cash in the EU
You can use foreign cash or your credit card though your card company may charge you a conversion fee. If you bank with one of the large money center banks like Citi you can use your US ATM card at a Citi ATM in England or Germany or wherever without a conversion fee. Stay away from conversion services because they all charge you a fee. You can travel there with dollars in you r pocket and convert them as you need them. Generally, the rate of exchange is the same whether you cash in your dollars for Euros at a bank or even at your hotel. Last summer I took $500 to China in $100 dollar bills; some of my fellow travelers bought US travelers checks (and paid a small percentage). We all just cashed them at the hotel at the daily exchange rate. You didn't say when you plan to travel. Assuming it's summer and assuming you have some budget for how much to spend while you're there and you think the dollar is going to continue to lose ground to the Euro between now and then you could buy your Euros now instead of waiting until you get to Europe in three months. Today a Euro (as of a minute ago) would cost you $1.56356. Exactly a year ago that same Euro cost $1.36475. That's a 14.5% drop in a year or 1.21% per month. If this rate of fall holds, Euros you buy today to spend in July will save you 2.42%. You can buy Euros at the major banks (Wachovia, BofA, Citi) -- just call your branch to make sure they have the currency on hand. -Mike __ Michel David Lowe -Original Message- From: Computer Guys Discussion List [mailto:COMPUTERGUYS- [EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of rlsimon Sent: Tuesday, April 29, 2008 11:48 AM To: COMPUTERGUYS-L@LISTSERV.AOL.COM Subject: [CGUYS] Cash in the EU Does anyone know if the best way to get spending cash in the EU while on travel from the US is to use a bank card or charge card at an ATM as far as rate of exchange, etc.?? * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Cash in the EU
On Tue, Apr 29, 2008 at 11:47 AM, rlsimon [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Does anyone know if the best way to get spending cash in the EU while on travel from the US is to use a bank card or charge card at an ATM as far as rate of exchange, etc.?? I was going to post something about the huge increases in rates banks charge, but db beat me to it. People have done far worse using a credit card and/or ATM than the worst money exchangers on the street, so research your options. -- John DeCarlo, My Views Are My Own * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Cash in the EU
My own experience since the early 1990s has been to use a credit card for purchases as much as possible. Since the credit card companies convert huge sums of money routinely, all those commissions, etc., are minimized. Past experience does not serve that well. What was once the best way can now be among the worst. There are now significant fees when using a credit card. Even checking first does not tell all because you don't know the conversion rate. If one bank charges 3% and another 0% you may still pay more with the 0% bank because they give you an unfair conversion rate. Also have to consider if the card gives you a rebate. That can give you back 1 to 3%. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Cash in the EU
Also make sure your card will work outside the US. We traveled to Canada a few years ago and a few of our cards would not work there. Turns out we had to let the issuer know we would be traveling outside the US so that they would turn that function on. Stewart At 12:13 AM 4/30/2008, you wrote: We charged all of our advanced reservations with rebate cards that pay 2-5% [and paid in full when billed], but some cards don't give rebates outside of the US. Find out which of your cards give rebates in foreign locations before you leave. Our CU cards do, and so does the BP Chase card. Also if you rent cars in Europe, you can get a discount at gas stations by showing some airlines' membership cards. I think Iberia is one, maybe Lufthansa partners too? Betty Rev. Stewart A. Marshall mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Prince of Peace Ozark, AL SL 82 * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
