Currency Question.....?

Question

I'll be leaving to Germany in a few days and i'm trying to be as careful with my money as possible, do you save money if you convert your US dollars to euros in America or is it cheaper to switch it to eruos in Germany? please help, thank you!

Answer 1

Do not take your money as cash.

Keep it in your bank account and get it out with your bank card. You will find ATMs all over Germany.

Check if your card is ready and what it costs to use it.

But even when you have to pay a fee to get your money that will be less than you pay at an exchange office or a bank.

And the rates you get will be better.

If you use the exchange offices that claim not to charge a fee you will get a rate that is much worse still.

It is good to have some dollars with you, for when you get stuck or your card is not working, also because you can still use them when you get back home.

Taking all your money in cash is asking to loose your money (by mistake or because of pickpockets.)

When you have a credit card bring it, (MasterCard and Visa are the most used.)

You can use it to pay the higher bills and then it is most likely the cheapest way to get to use your money.

For use in an ATM it is mostly rather expensive, but check with your credit card provider for the costs.

Answer 2

Just use your debit card in the ATMs.  Make sure it's Visa or Mastercard and has a 4 digit PIN.  

Use a credit card for paying accommodation and other costs.

Tell your bank that you'll be travelling in Europe so they don't put a security stop on your card due to unusual activity.

Answer 3

Due to the weak dollar, there really isn't much of a difference between converting here and there.  

Be aware that the US currency exchange offices won't accept coins, so get as much paper money as you can.