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Thread: How many credit/debit cards do you bring with you when you travel abroad?
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Old Jul 6, 2010 | 7:27 pm
  #21  
SFflyer123
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 4,449
ATM, Credit card or Exchange cash?
Originally Posted by techboyds
Many credit cards have a fee of 3% (or more) on international transactions. Typically, that's 1% from Visa or Mastercard, and 2% or more from the bank.
In the old days (10-15 years ago), using your credit card for everything was the move. They had the best exchange rate and no fees. Then, the credit card companies caught on.

Then, about 5-10 years ago, the best exchange rate was ATM card. They had the best exchange rate with no fees. Then, they caught on.

It almost seems like a wash--Cambio stations vs credit card vs ATM now. It seems like either way, we get doublely screwed: first with the bad exchange rate, then with the fees. Does anybody know which is the best way to change money in a foreign country now?
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