Travel Articles - Europe
Money - ATMs - Credit Cards

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Dollar-Saving European Travel Tips for Americans
Don't let a weak dollar disrupt your travel plans--a European vacation can be cheaper than you think.

ATMs and Exchange Machines
Here's how to get cash in Europe without having to ask "Uh....do you buy dollars?" in the local lingo.

ATM "Conversion Fees" 
If you thought ATM withdrawals were a way to avoid high currency-exchange commissions, think again--and be prepared to find a new bank.

Credit-Card Surcharges
Before using Visa, MasterCard, or American Express to avoid high exchange commissions, make sure your credt-card company isn't charging a hidden 2% to 5% fee.

American Express Travelers Cheque and Visa TravelMoney Cards
These prepaid cards combine the convenience of an ATM or debit card with the refundability of traveler's checks--but the fees, especially for currency conversion, are mind-boggling.

The Euro
A dozen European countries have replaced their national currencies with the euro. My article describes how the change will affect you, and it has links to Web resources about the euro (including pictures of euro banknotes and coins).

Traveler's Checks
ATMs and credit cards have made traveler's checks less essential, but they haven't rendered them obsolete. Here's what you need to know about travelers checks--or cheques--before planning your foreign trip.

Tax-Free Shopping
If you're a visitor from overseas, you may be entitled to refunds of value-added tax on many European purchases. Here's what you need to know about VAT refunds before you shop--and what you need to do before you come home.

Also see my travel insurance articles index, which lists articles on trip-cancellation and emergency medical insurance, terrorism and supplier-default insurance, and what you need to know about insuring rental cars.

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