What is the best currency to use in these countries? And who has the best exchange rates?
Posted by
San Jose, CA, USA
423 posts
Dana, Germany, Austria and Italy all use the Euro. Switzerland uses their franc. In Zurich, I was able to pay a few things in Euros - but only in large stores.
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
Dana: Where to get the best exchange rates has been frequently discussed here in the last several months. You can retrieve these discussions by using the search box in the upper right corner of the webpage.
Posted by
Honolulu/Seattle, HI/WA, USA
2788 posts
It sounds like you had better get a good travel book on Europe (like RS "Europe thru the Backdoor")
and start reading. You at least want to familiarize yourself with the basics.
Posted by
Newport Beach, CA, USA
769 posts
Euros for all except the Swiss (unless youre there for a day in Zurich or big city - get some Swiss Francs for those days!)
re: exchange rates: Ive found the best rates for me here in US is via my Bank (Bofa)... 1-2 days to get what i need with fees/rates a bit cheaper than the bigger Travelex style exchange places. Your best deal IN europe is usally a big-bank ATM machine. I just like to show up with a 200US$ worth of the local Euro or swiss franc - then go to ATM a day or 2 later for more as needed.
Posted by
OP
TYLER, Texas, USA
6 posts
Thank you all, I appreciate all the input. Also, Charles, I do have Rick's book Europe thru the backdoor and believe me I am reading. Thanks for the tip. D
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
Dana, in Switzerland, you will need to use Swiss Francs. The easiest way to get them is to walk up to an ATM in Switzerland. I wouldn't worry about having to exhange your Euros when Swiss Francs are so easy to obtain. Also, you will find many restaurants and shops that will take your Euros. They'll do the exchange for you on your purchase. I wouldn't bet that it's a great rate, however.