I'm going to several different countries with different currencies. Is it generally just smarter to get the bulk of my cash from European ATMs? Also, do the European machines charge a fee on top of your own bank's fee (like in the US)?
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
Eric mentioned Rick's Money 101 article. Go here. If you click on the "Travel Tips" tab at the top of the page, you'll find lots more helpful articles, all of them taken from Rick's book, Europe Through the Back Door.
Posted by
Ardmore, PA, US
225 posts
The answers are "yes" and "probably". But do a search of this website and you'll find a plethora of information about ATMs. Also, Rick has a Money 101 tutorial which would be worth reading.
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19092 posts
In twelve weeks in Germany this century I have never been charged a fee by the European bank. However, there is always a "network fee", which is ofter 1% (4/10% for handling the transaction and 6/10% for currency exchange)
Posted by
Anaheim, CA, USA
1455 posts
Tiffani check with your bank on the fees. Most of the banks (as Lee said) do not charge you a fee to withdraw money, but your bank may ding you with fees for using a non-(your bank) ATM.
check out this post on ATM/ Charles Schwab:
click here
You said you're going to several countries with serveral currencies... so you're not just going to EU countries, then? I would pull what you need, since you'll not just get dinged with fees by your bank (if any) but you may lose out when exchanging currency from one country to another.