Best place to get money changed ?

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tkdsl

Guest
Hello Guys,

Going on a cruise shortly to Europe and I was wondering is it best to have Amex travellers checks or convert the money to Euro or just use CC ?

from your experience what do you recommend ?

Thank you
 
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davejohn

Guest
The easiest was to get cash is to just use ATM's. Not many stores or shops in Europe will accept Travelers Checks, but they will accept CC's. Usually the purser's desk onboard will cash the checks, but the exchange rates are in their favor and I've heard of them running out.
 
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tkdsl

Guest
I was wondering if they did exchange US to Euro on board and I guess I can use the CC much safer then getting a lot of cash at the airport exchange office. thank you for the tip
 
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Bobbie

Guest
A lot of places don't take Am. Express travelers checks anymore. They are a bit antiquated. ATMs are by far the best bet. Just make sure you have a 4 digit PIN that uses only numbers (not letters; some ATMs don't have letters on the numbers like we do in the US).

Yes, they will exchange small amounts of USD to Euros. The rates in the airports are usually terrible! The rates on the ship are decent, but ATMs are still a better deal.
 
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tkdsl

Guest
wow so just taking cash out is the best and letting the bank factor the rate. not a bad idea. Do I need to tell my back that I am traveling them for that reason ?

would you say that ATM or Credit cards are best ?
 
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Bobbie

Guest
Yes, it's a good idea, although most banks won't make a note of it. CitiGroup will though.

ATM rates are the best. Credit cards are the next best, but call each of your credit cards and find out which one has the lowest CONVERSION RATE. It may take talking to a few different reps. at each credit card company because many of them don't know what that is.

Usually, the bank will charge between 1% to 3% of the amount you charge for the conversion to USD. I found that my Target Visa had the best rate of only 1%! That card IS good for something after all. :grin

The safest thing to do is to get smaller amounts out vs. one or two big withdrawels. You can exchange any money you don't use either on the ship or in the airport, but the airport typically has terrible rates and they charge a service fee too.
 
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cpmac

Guest
American express will not do nicely now. Visa or mastercard are widely used.

Since the Euro has come in many exchange places have closed down and many banks don't change currency. In France the Societe Generale does. Its the bank with the black and red sign.
 
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