Converting Currency in Europe?

Question

What is the best way to convert currency in Europe, specifically Germany, London, France and Benelux? I'll have a Visa Check Card.

Answer 1

The Best way is to carry Travellers Cheques or Cash....

Cards are a good option but not all places accept credit cards and sometimes charge a fee of some Euros  or 1-2 % . If u withdraw money using ATM u will be charged a very large fee for it ...regardless of the bank/credit card ......u withdraw money on a CC in a foreign country thats gonna cost a lot......ALSO PLEASE ...PLEASE do not exchange at Airports  or train stations....they have the worst rates there and sometimes charge as much as 12.5 % fee...I have experienced this ...so trust me.

In conclusion,

1.)carry a lot of travellers cheques ...generally u will find some bank which charges NO FEES ..try Sparkasse or Deutche Bank....and if at all  a very small fee...

2.) Make sure u have a internationally valid credit card and get info from ur local bank/CC company abt the charges for usage abroad.

Answer 2

You have to go to the king or queen of the country you are in and ask for permission. If it is granted then the monarch will tap you on the shoulder with a sword and you will be a given a note that must say "please pay the bearer the sum of...". You then take this to the Bank of England and you'll be given the appropriate amount in gold which you can then use to buy things with.

Oh, and we have ATMs and banks too, duh...

Why do Americans always think Europe is still in the 16th century?

Answer 3

It depends on where you are.

In some places, you can use your card just fine, but its nowhere near as widespread as here.

To minimize the bank ATM fees, just withdraw a LOT of money at once.  Make sure you do this with the company of another person, in daylight, in a good neighborhood.  Your bank always has a limit - alert them that youll be using the card in Europe - per day, but i could usually withdraw 250 euro a day, and that should be enough to last you a while!  Also, with trains, in Germany, it is possible to use your card in most Bahn offices, so that helps.  Some stores accept them - ask first!

Answer 4

If you use an ATM it will convert it automatically...or go to a bank and find out the exchange rate is...

Answer 5

Bank Atm's have the lowest fees for withdrawing money.

Answer 6

If you have a capitol one visa check card, they wont charge you the bank service fee  to use it at an atm

Answer 7

when you have a visa card, this is no problem at all. in almost every city in Europe, you can pay cashless.

Answer 8

An ATM.

Answer 9

I live in Germany, and I use the ATM. You get a better exchange rate than you would at an American bank, or from an exchange service. Most banks in Germany don't seem to charge a fee for using their ATM, or for your bank card being from the states. If they do charge, it doesn't show up on your bank statement separately, and the exchange rate from the total amount withdrawn is still a better rate. As long as your bank doesn't charge a fee, using an ATM will probably be your cheapest option.

Answer 10

The best way is to use a ATM, banks charge a lot more and so do exchange agencies. I live in Germany and I use the ATM machines in the down town area's or I will just use my card to make purchases be careful though a lot of the smaller store's don't take credit cards.

Answer 11

I just got back from germany a month ago and the banks exchange rates were about 1.37 dollars to a euro.  So anyway...I just used my check card and credit card.  Their rate was about 1.27.  You will need a little cash but not much I would maybe get a 100 or 200 in cash.  Check a few banks and see what the cheapast rate is you can get.  Make sure you let your bank and credit card company know where you are going before you leave so they don't put a hold on your account.

Answer 12

Check the rates and get some sort of understanding of what you should be getting.