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Travel Articles - Europe
Money - ATMs - Credit Cards
Currency Converter
View prices in your own currency, or translate your travel budget into
European money.
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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Durant
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Imboden's
