When Traveling to Germany and France is it best to use american money or cash, to get the best exchange rate?

Question

Best exchange rate: american money or credit card or exchange money prior to leaving US

Answer 1

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Answer 2

If you have an ATM card from a US bank or credit union, that is almost always the best way to get money in Europe.  Most, indeed virtually all, ATM Cards work in European ATMs, and most ATMS provide the opportunity to use English to conduct business.

Exchanging cash is usually the worst way to do this.

Answer 3

I lived on the border of Germany and France for eight years in the Army.  What I learned is that the French only want you to use their money.  I went to Paris several times and they would not take my Marks or American money.  As for Germany, they will take American money but they will not give you a good rate.  Your best guess is to have the Euro and some American money on the side.  If your debit card can be used at other banks then most likely you can use it overseas.  I had Wells Fargo bank and I was able to use my debit card at most of their banks.  Of course there is a charge.

Answer 4

I would bring Euro's with you and credit cards as a back up.

Getting money from an ATM will give you the current exchange rate at that exact time.  But.. and there is almost always a but.

Using plastic issued outside of the EU there will be a hefty fee from the bank that owns the ATM and VISA, Mastercard and American Express now charge you 2% of the charge made just for doing the exchange to dollars at your home bank.

A friend recently withdrew Euro 100 from an ATM here in Germany with a US issued card.  The fee was $9.00 from the home bank and another $6 and change from the German bank.  Over $15.00 in fees.

If you pay for items with a credit card then you only get charged the 2% conversion fee.

The 2% conversion is not assessed by the bank that issued the credit card.  It is assessed by VISA, MC and AMEX HQ so there is no way around it.

Answer 5

Having $ in your wallet generally is not a good

idea. Usually they're not accepted *anywhere*

in either of the two countries. If you have AE or

better Visa you won't have much problems. But

I'd suggest to exchange a certain amount of

cash in case CC cards are not accepted or you

don't have the one that's being accepted. Visa

is quite widespread but the #1 CC in Europe

is Eurocard/Mastercard.

Answer 6

It's best to use your debit/credit card as you will get the daily exchange rate. However, not everywhere in Europe accepts credit cards (unlike the US). So use your card as much as possible and withdraw a bit of cash for all other situations.

Answer 7

credit card...but I would also exchange some money so you have some euros on you. Enjoy your time there. Both places are absolutley wonderful...though I think I enjoyed Germany better...they are still rebuilding from WWII so you can still see a lot of history.

Answer 8

You can use your debit and credit card. Also with this both cards you can get by AT M's cash money. In France and Germany you are using Euros. Best exchange rate you get anywhere in Europe, the $ is so low.

Answer 9

It doesn't matter, the conversion rate will be the same either you use cash or credit card.

I will go with some euro in my pocket, the Currency Exchange House there might charge you a fee for exchanging the money.

If you use your credit card, there is no fee involved.

Answer 10

use cash and exchange it when you get there, unlike the u.s. they don't charge you to exchange money, also, exchange your money back into u.s. currancy before you leave europe

Answer 11

It's always good to have Cash-euros-while in the European Comunity,also,do not worry about using your credit card,the currency will be the same as in US,your local bank will change USD to EUR while the transaction is being made.

Enjoy us!