Watch that Exchange Rate
| April 26, 2010 | Posted by Chris under Money, Travel Destinations, Travel Tips, Uncategorized |
Traveling to Europe offers the best of both worlds. It is exotic for Americans, since ours is such a young country. and at the same time, it provides the security and safety of being in Western Europe.
Where you decide to visit is really up to you. Instead of returning to your old familiar haunts, try reading some travel books beforehand, and visiting some different places.
If you have never been to Ireland, try starting in Dublin and then driving around the isle and departing from Shannon airport.Staying at Bed and Breakfast inns along the way is enjoyable, and provides a glimpse of the culture.
If you are searching for furniture, England has wonderful antiques.
In Germany why not bypass Munich and go to Regensburg instead. Equally as Bavarian, this town is relaxed and pleasant without so many tourists.
When visiting Switzerland, check out Interlaken. Located between two lakes, it is a spa town with some of the best fondue you will ever eat.
Wherever you decide to go, you will be switching United States dollars into the currency of the area. This can be problematic for a couple of reasons. The first is that you can get all befuddled not knowing what the money is worth and how much you might really be spending on an item. The other is that just the act of exchanging money can cost you.
Here are some times for exchanging currency:
- Don’t exchange lots of money before you leave home. This can be some of the most expensive money you get.
- Following the same logic, the rate of exchange at your arrival airport may not be your best either.
- Before leaving home, see if your bank has a partner bank abroad. This could serve to save you fees.
- Watch out for transaction charges if you are using your credit card.
Another piece of advice to pull all of this together, is to spend your money as wisely overseas as you would at home. Just because it’s a different color, and just because you’re on vacation, and just because your mind wants to think it’s play money, is no reason to go crazy wild on a spending spree.
Be smart about your money whereever you are.
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