Saving on currency exchange rates
Feb 2, 2019 | 12:29 pm
#2
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Truth or Consequences, NM
Programs: HH Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Lifetime Platinum,Mobile Passport Unobtanium
Posts: 6,239
Use a "no foreign transaction fee" credit card whenever possible or take money directly from a bank ATM using an ATM card from your bank that offers ATM fee reimbursement.
Feb 2, 2019 | 1:12 pm
#3
Flyertalk Posting Legend Moderator: Credit Card Programs, American Express, Capital One, Chase, Citi, Diners Club, Eco Travel, Signatures
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Miami, Mpls & London
Programs: AA, IHG & Marriott Platinum; DL & HH Gold
Posts: 51,890
...and firmly decline if the merchant offers to charge you in Dollars rather than Euros or Pounds. Always insist that they process the charge in local currency.
Feb 2, 2019 | 3:18 pm
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: San Diego, CA
Programs: GE, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 15,745
Some people might also suggest to use a MC instead of Visa, but in my experience the difference is small enough that I don't think it's worth worrying about if you're just visiting. (Living there, on the other hand, might be a different story.)