We're (12 of us) heading to France/Germany general area this month. Exchange rates are awful. What is the best: take cash dollars & exchange there, use credit cards only & pay bill on return, exchange before we leave or make ATM withdrawals as needed in Europe?
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19092 posts
I think the best plan would be to get a bank that has the lowest ATM and CC fees. I use a local bank that only charges 1% for debit card transactions and 1% + $1.50 for ATMs.
Twenty years ago, Germany was predomintly a "cash" society. You could hardly use a credit card anywhere, at least in traditional German establishments. Even today, although credit cards are more accepted, you are better off, and have more options, if you pay in cash.
If you stay in 5* hotels, they will take credit cards, but if you stay in Frau Schmidt's B&B, don't count on it.