ATM/Cash exchange

I now have three checking accounts, lol. My original Wachovia-now-Wells Fargo, which has a number of automatic debit/credits already set up. Fees are way high. I take the ATM card with me, but it's a last resort if the other two don't work. Credit Union: 1% foreign conversion fee, five free withdrawals/month, then $1.00 per ATM transaction. Capital One on-line account: 0% foreign conversion fee, all ATM transaction are free, first $10/month (going to $25 this month) of fees charged by foreign banks refunded. Around 1% interest.

You use the debit card that charges the least or no fees. Credit unions have a reputation for not charging or very low charges so check out your local credit unions. Same for some of the online banks like Ally or the Capital One. We came to a different conclusion and pay for everything in cash. It is easier, less risk, and often hotels give a discount for cash. On our last two trips we only charge one item on each trip during the last day when we were managing our Euro so that we would have some left over when we got home.

Jael,
Look towards the bottom of this page http://flyerguide.com/wiki/index.php/Credit/Debit/ATM_Cards_and_Foreign_Exchange

I use the Charles Schwab Bank debit card. No ATM fee any bank in the world. No exchange fee.The exchange rate is about 1/2 of 1% highere than the rate reported by Bloomberg, which is the market rate per Wall Street. I think this rate is standard for the US banking industry.
Charles Schwab is a investment broker. The Schwab is a internet bank. They do not have retail office. You can find them online and they have office in you state.

We have a Capital One Money Market account set up that lets us withdraw money at ATMs here in Italy at no extra charge, no extra fees. (Some ATM machines themselves might charge a fee.) Plus you earn interest on your money. Takes a few weeks to set up.