I've used ATMs in and around Sarlat. Over the years they seem to have changed. Some no longer give receipts, some charge a higher conversion rate and some tech on a service charge. I would like to get a good exchange rate even if there are service charges as, I believe my bank reimburses ATM charges. Any advice on this?
Posted by
Washington DC
28062 posts
You shouldn't be dealing with a conversion rate at the ATM if you simply conduct the withdrawal transaction in euros. If the ATM suggests that you lock in some specific exchange rate, that is a very big red flag, and you should decline. You might possibly have to decline twice. If you do that, your withdrawal should be handled through the banking system at a cost of about 1%.
I am assuming here that your bank isn't charging any fees for ATM withdrawals. Have you verified that? Banks do sometimes change their policies.
Posted by
Long Beach, Ca, usa
1327 posts
Kay,
Listen to acravan. She is correct. Just do the transaction in euros. I don't recall if we got receipts last year. We used the ATMs at BNP Pirabas branches. They are "partners" with our US bank, so no fees when using our debit cards at the ATMs. Do not make a withdrawal using your credit cards at an ATM. You will have a cash advance fee (usually large). The exchange rate is whatever the current bank to bank rate is. If you use a non-bank ATM, or one without an affiliation with your bank, you could be charged a fee. Check with your bank to see if they have any partners with lots of branches. In the old days when we had to go to banks or foreign exchange businesses to get the local currency, you could search for the best rate, and it depended on whether you were changing cash or travelers checks. With ATMs that no longer applies. Don't fret over the exchange rate. All regular banks will charge about the same. If your bank refunds the fees, fine, but if they have a French bank that they have a relationship with, all the better.
I haven't had any experience with exchange fees in any country I have visited, and that includes Chile, Turkey and Egypt, as well as countries in Europe.
It goes without saying that you should have a credit card with no foreign transaction fees as well. We have two (one is a backup).
Have a great trip!
Posted by
Long Beach, Ca, usa
1327 posts
Kay,
There are bank ATMs all over Sarlat. It is a good-sized town and the inhabitants have as much of a need for ATMs as we do in our own home towns.
Posted by
Long Beach, Ca, usa
1327 posts
P.S. Yes, we did get receipts that showed the amount withdrawn in euros.