European Money and
Currency Exchange

ABOVE: Many of the currencies in this photo are now gone, having been replaced by the euro in 2002.

When you need to obtain or exchange money in Europe, the solution is usually easy: Use your ATM card (but be sure to read my ATMs and Currency Exchange Machines and ATM "Conversion Fees" articles before you leave home.)

You'll almost always get a better rate from an ATM than from a bank, an exchange counter, or--worse yet--a hotel or shop.

Also beware of hidden fees on overseas transactions with credit cards, which can range from 2% to 5%. Read my credit-card surcharges article, then check to make sure that your Visa or MasterCard provider isn't double-dipping every time you make a purchase in a foreign currency.

ATM "conversion fees" can also suck money from your budget. And prepaid travelers' cash cards are even worse, as I explain in my article on the American Express Travelers Cheque and Visa TravelMoney cards.

If you're from outside the euro zone, read my euro article to learn how the "common currency" of 12 European nations will (or won't) affect your trip.

Finally, if you're from the U.S., read Dollar-Saving European Travel Tips for Americans before deciding that you can't afford a transatlantic vacation.

Currency-exchange tip: Before changing small amounts of money, make sure the bank or exchange counter doesn't charge a flat fee or a minimum commission.

For more information, including ATM locators and online currency converters, see:

European Money/Currency Exchange (Links)

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