Going abroad for the first time

[wrigleyville33]

So I'm going abroad next week for the first time. It's a trip through vt's engineering program so I'll be sweeping through Italy, Germany, and Switzerland. I have two important questions. First, what is the best way to convert currency without getting drilled with exchange rates? Second, I need some beer recommendations. I don't want to get cheated in either department. Thanks in advance.

[superjames1992]

Re: Going abroad for the first time

I think if you spend money abroad using a credit card, you simply pay the exchange rate (which is ~$1.32 per Euro right now) and don't get hammered with an additional 10% fee like you would get in an airport after you arrive. Of course, you better let your CC company know you are abroad or they will conveniently cut off access to your card as they will assume that it has been stolen.

If you do want cash (which you will want some), you can probably get a better deal by converting your cash to Euros here before you go. Don't quote me on that, though.

I've been to Europe twice (once to Italy/France/Spain and once to the UK) and I've just sucked up the exchange rate and exchanged once I got there, though. Everything is horribly expensive in Europe, so be ready for that. Most vending machines sell 500 ml (16.9 oz.) bottles of Coke for €2.00, which equates to ~$2.75.

[JerzeyReign]

Re: Going abroad for the first time

I'm stationed in Germany -- their is NO WAY around it -- the euro is kicking the dollar's butt -- depending on your pockets, I'd carry a hundred or two of euros as my secondary with my debit card as my primary.

The debit card will more than likely convert to that day's currency rate while a store that doesn't have a ATM machine will more than likely have a terrible exchange rate -- they won't beat you but they'll certainly hurt those pockets.

[mgoblue]

Re: Going abroad for the first time

I think if you spend money abroad using a credit card, you simply pay the exchange rate (which is ~$1.32 per Euro right now) and don't get hammered with an additional 10% fee like you would get in an airport after you arrive. Of course, you better let your CC company know you are abroad or they will conveniently cut off access to your card as they will assume that it has been stolen.

If you do want cash (which you will want some), you can probably get a better deal by converting your cash to Euros here before you go. Don't quote me on that, though.

I've been to Europe twice (once to Italy/France/Spain and once to the UK) and I've just sucked up the exchange rate and exchanged once I got there, though. Everything is horribly expensive in Europe, so be ready for that. Most vending machines sell 500 ml (16.9 oz.) bottles of Coke for €2.00, which equates to ~$2.75.

Yeah, I'm going on a Mediterranean cruise next summer and will probably use my CC. Definitely will call the bank and CC to make sure my cards work in Europe (and verify what fees and exchange rate policies they have). When went to Vegas once they turned off my card because of "suspicious" behavior lol. I now usually try and call and alert them before trips just to be safe.

I'm stationed in Germany -- their is NO WAY around it -- the euro is kicking the dollar's butt -- depending on your pockets, I'd carry a hundred or two of euros as my secondary with my debit card as my primary.

The debit card will more than likely convert to that day's currency rate while a store that doesn't have a ATM machine will more than likely have a terrible exchange rate -- they won't beat you but they'll certainly hurt those pockets.

Yeah, I've heard ATM's are better than trusting stores.

[ab713]

Re: Going abroad for the first time

Check to make sure your credit/debit cards do not have any foreign transaction fees.

I used my captial one card overseas because it offered no fees on purchases, cash advances, etc.

[MachoMyers]

Re: Going abroad for the first time

I'm not 100% sure but I think Switzerland uses Swiss Francs and not the Euro. Not sure how many places accept the Euro (haven't been yet). Where you going in Italy/Germany?

[superjames1992]

Re: Going abroad for the first time

I'm not 100% sure but I think Switzerland uses Swiss Francs and not the Euro. Not sure how many places accept the Euro (haven't been yet). Where you going in Italy/Germany?

Yeah, they do use the Swiss Franc. Everything is dreadfully expensive in Switzerland, too, from what I hear. Switzerland is not part of the EU.

[dickey1331]

When I was in Paris I just brought my debit card and found an ATM that took it and took money out that way. I only get charged 1% fee and they automatically convert the money for the exchange rate that day.

You will need some cash as Europe doesn't use the same credit cards as we do. Some machines won't accept American cards as they don't have a chip/pin system. More and more Americans are experiencing this issue.


Do you really care where I sent this from?

[wrigleyville33]

Re: Going abroad for the first time

In Germany I'll be in Frankfurt, Heidelberg, Mannheim, and Darmstadt. For Switzerland I'll be in Lugano, Basel, and Bellinzona. And I'll be in Bologna and Milan in Italy.

[ab713]

Re: Going abroad for the first time

You will need some cash as Europe doesn't use the same credit cards as we do. Some machines won't accept American cards as they don't have a chip/pin system.

I heard this too before I went, but I never had an issue with any place not accepting US credit cards. This was in London, Paris, and Rome. There are some places that just don't accept any credit cards at all. I'd recommend having 200€ in cash. Use it only if you have no other option.

[wrigleyville33]

Re: Going abroad for the first time

Another solution I found out is some kind of visa card through AAA? Has anyone had any experience with the use of one of those?

[dickey1331]

Re: Going abroad for the first time

Another solution I found out is some kind of visa card through AAA? Has anyone had any experience with the use of one of those?

I haven't heard of those but they sell the chip/pin cards at airports where you can exchange money.

[MachoMyers]

Re: Going abroad for the first time

In Germany I'll be in Frankfurt, Heidelberg, Mannheim, and Darmstadt. For Switzerland I'll be in Lugano, Basel, and Bellinzona. And I'll be in Bologna and Milan in Italy.

Of those places I've only been to Milan which was pretty damn expensive. My advice there is stay off the tourist path, especially in looking for food. Do some research on some nice local cuisine and you won't pay extortionist prices for lousy food.