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Post by me on Jul 12, 2005 13:19:54 GMT -5
TC's are rather passe these days. i don't use them anymore. unless you get an outstanding rate, i'd get them in $'s. that way, any you don't use, you don't pay any extra fee to convert them back into $'s. - d Also, should I get my traveller's checks today in Euros or in dollars?  I mean, assuming they have that option available. |
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Post by MuvverRussia on Jul 12, 2005 13:25:07 GMT -5
You'll never get the XE rate unless you're doing some seriously major currency conversions anyway, so I wouldn't worry. That said, I wouldn't have got a load of cash out in the US as ATM rates are always pretty good, it also means that you can take out the amount that you need rather than risking carrying large amounts of cash.
For Traveller's cheques go for €. Remember that ATMs are extremely prevalent though, so I wouldn't bother with them.
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Post by LHR02 on Jul 12, 2005 14:13:22 GMT -5
Forget the TC's.....it's getting to the place now where it is harder to find someone to even accept them. ATM/debit cards are the way to go. Almost always the best exchange rate, and as David said, the safety factor of only having to withdraw what you will need for a day or two and not be carrying a lot of cash around. BUT....make sure your debit is linked to checking, not savings account, has a 4 digit pin and that you have a back-up spare card with you. Just in case the first one gets eaten by a machine or demagnitized somehow. And of course, never write your PIN number on the card.  |
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Post by me on Jul 12, 2005 16:00:27 GMT -5
banks make money 2 ways on convertions: they often get a padded "spread" between the buy and sell rates, and they can also charge a fee for the exchange. it's *really* bad when they do both! cashing TC's often hits you both ways. ATM's give tight, that is "good," rates (often the "bank" rate) and a low fee. that's why i like them. TC's should be a fall back, in case something goes wrong with your ATM card. that's why i would want to be able to turn them in at my bank w/o losing points. Damn. So I'm getting ripped off on the conversion. Sigh... Oh well. So roughly, that makes like 10 euros = 12.25 or so? |
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Post by me on Jul 12, 2005 17:28:05 GMT -5
mostly, i eat out at Lunchtime <cheaper prices> and do the self-cater bit for dinner. - d Stop in a grocery or bakery for a quick, cheap lunch, spend a bit more on dinner (one can not always eat bread and sandwiches!) and you should be fine with your current funds. |
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Post by LHR02 on Jul 12, 2005 17:58:10 GMT -5
I ever have trouble eating while traveling! Never eat b'fast at home, but try to eat a big one since it is normally included. Then I am simply not hungry at 'lunch' time, but by 1600 or so I am famished...and have to search for something open. When and where to eat is always my biggest travel hassle.  |
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I mean, assuming they have that option available. 
