Heading to Spain. Money Questions??

[stefrrr]

FYI - You'll get a better conversion rate taking cash out on your debit card than you will carrying cash and converting it at a bank.

[tankhead]

yes but do the ATM cards charge transaction fees and conversion fees?

[stefrrr]

Yes, but it's still less than changing cash. I never paid more by using my atm card than the current exchange rate - including fees. The trick is to get enough cash for a few days or more when you withdraw - the fee is the same regardless of the amount. The rate on ATMs is better than cash conversion. Check if your bank charges a conversion fee on top of network fees, but it's still likely less.

The atm conversion fee is based on wholesale rates, so even including fees it's less than the retail or retail ripoff price you'd pay for cash.

The US dollar doesn't carry any weight in Europe any more, so just plan to use Euros.

I went to England, Spain, France, and Germany for an entire summer and took $10.00 American. I've returned since and I bring the bare minimum American dollars (basically for the return cab fare from the airport) - you just don't need it.