Dollar-Saving European Travel Tips
for Americans

Continued from: Page 7

ABOVE: An ATM in Heidelberg, Germany.

TIP 7: Watch for hidden ATM, credit-card, and exchange fees.

Cards:

Many U.S. banks and credit-card issuers are now gouging their customers with "conversion fees" and other surcharges on foreign transactions. (So are banks in Canada, the UK, Australia, and other countries.)

Also, the new "traveler's check cards" can make you feel like the victim of a Parisian pickpocket when you see how little money is left over after you've paid the fees.

Cash:

Currency-exchange commissions and fees can be mind-boggling, so get your cash from ATMs when you can. (In late 2007, a Travelex office in Venice was charging a 8.5% commission to change U.S. dollars into euros, plus a €3,50 handling fee.)

Also, take claims of "no commission" with a grain of salt: The exchange counter may not be itemizing its percentage, but you can be sure that a hefty profit margin is built into the quoted exchange rate.

More info:

To learn about unconscionable fees and how to avoid them, read my articles about money for travelers before leaving home.