RoadRunner:

I've tried to clear this up several times now but apparently we're not communicating. Paying for something with a credit card is different from getting a cash advance. Cash advances have large fees associated with them. I have never taken a cash advance. You should never take a cash advance. Just pay your restaurant, hotel, etc. with the 1% credit card.

To get cash, use your plain old ATM card your bank gave you when you opened your checking account. It works worldwide, giving you local currency, usually at the same minimum 1% markup. I've actually heard of some credit unions that charge no markup at all, but I don't know the specifics.

Does this clear it up?