How much cash should I convert to Euros for my trip?

mau_loa · March 2012

I will be in Germany for about 8 full days for business, so most of my expenses will be paid for. I'm wondering how much of my personal cash I should go ahead and convert to Euros. I will have my credit card, but I've heard that not all merchants accept credit cards. I plan to purchase a few souveniers.....or whatever.

$500?

Knitty · March 2012

More like 100 would be plenty in case the system's down or something, then just use an ATM when you get there.

wise_rita · March 2012

Ditto.

MerRhosyn · March 2012

I probably wouldn't convert anything in advance. But if it makes you nervous, $100 and then use the ATM at the airport.

ooolalalolo · March 2012

MerRhosyn:
I probably wouldn't convert anything in advance. But if it makes you nervous, $100 and then use the ATM at the airport.

Same.

alithebride · March 2012

dont use airport atms. they charge you super high fees up the wazoo. go to a bank's atm when you get there. $100 exchanged before you go is fine.

NDSUGirl · March 2012

Really? I guess I'm just a paranoid traveler. We need a fair amount of cash when we arrive (to pay the balance & sec. deposit of our apt & the balance on a tour) I know I'd get a better exchange rate from an ATM but I have images of it only allowing us to take out $200/day & then we'd be *screwed* :S

alithebride · March 2012

NDSUGirl:
Really? I guess I'm just a paranoid traveler. We need a fair amount of cash when we arrive (to pay the balance & sec. deposit of our apt & the balance on a tour) I know I'd get a better exchange rate from an ATM but I have images of it only allowing us to take out $200/day & then we'd be *screwed* :S

i'm sure if she needed a certain amount of cash to pay a balance for an apt and a tour (she's going on business and staying at a hotel that will be paid with card) she's mention that in her post she just needs for souveniers.....

hz80408 · March 2012

Agreed; I'd think $100 into Euros is fine. Talk with your bank to alert them you'll be gone, if you haven't already. You may also want to see what their fees are and this could help you decide if you use the ATM multiple times or just once. (Our bank charges a $5 fee and 3% off withdrawl amount for every withdrawl)

wise_rita · March 2012

hz80408:
Talk with your bank to alert them you'll be gone, if you haven't already.

Also check what your daily spending/ATM limit is, and raise it if need be.

steamboat185 · March 2012

Use ATM's even with fees they are cheaper then exhanging money first. Let your bank know ahead and ask to get the daily limit raised. I've done this a few times and it has worked well. Also if you use a larger bank check to see if they have partner banks- we have bank of America and have found free ATMs in many counties.

hz80408 · March 2012

wise_rita:

hz80408:
Talk with your bank to alert them you'll be gone, if you haven't already.

Also check what your daily spending/ATM limit is, and raise it if need be.

This is a great idea. Thank you!

How much cash should I convert to Euros for my trip?

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