I am trying to decide if it is better to use each countries respective currency or the Euro. I would be converting U.S. dollars. Does anyone have any suggestions? Also, I know it would a little risky, but would it be good to convert some money now (in each countries currency), before I go? I would like to convert when the dollar is at its best.
Thanks
For the Netherlands and Germany, the Euro is their sole currency....you can't use anything else. Denmark and Sweden use their own currencies. In all cases, you'll get the best exchange rate by using your ATM card in all countries.....converting more than a minimal amount at home before leaving will cost you more. As for predictng the dollar's course....it's a crap shoot.
Now that ATMs are nearly universal, even in some of the most derelict regions of the former communistic block (an associate of mine said he had no trouble finding an ATM in Chisinau, of all places), there is no good reason to use any sort of currencie exchange.
Just use your ATM card there - but bring 2, from separate banks, in case you have a problem with one card.
My wife and I bring one ATM card each, from the same bank but different accounts. We are both signers on each account. If we lose a card, we can call and cancel, transfer the money to the backup account, and use the backup card. We haven't lost a card yet but it's always good to have a backup.
You don't really have any choice. The countries which have adopted the Euro do not have a currency of their own - as it was replaced by the Euro, and the countries which still use their own currency do not (officially) accept the Euro. It is however true that the Euro is accepted in some tourist shops in non-Euro countries, but on a limited basis and at exchange rates set by the merchants themselves.
Of the countries you mention, the Netherlands and Germany use the Euro, Denmark uses Danish Krone and Sweden uses Swedish Krona. The Danish and Swedish Krone is not the same currency and you will not be able to use Swedish currency in Denmark or vice versa. By using ATMs in the respective countries, you will always get the country's official currency. This is usually the best way.
These posts have really been a help. We really appreciate it and am sure that it will take some of the stress away from the vacation planning.
