[Idyllchat] cash

[ZBerry at att.net]

Hi, Vicki --
I'm pretty sure you'll get a lot of replies to this one.  I also think most of them are going to suggest you simply wait until you arrive at Zurich airport and use a bank-affiliated ATM (not a private ATM-- they often charge hefty fees).  When you do that, you just pop in your ATM card and the local currency comes out.  You get a much better rate than changing money any other way.  When you change before you leave, you are at the mercy of whatever exchange rate they want to charge you (and it is never a good rate) plus they add on a service fee.  So you pay plenty for that conveninece.  For the last 7 years I've traveled often all Europe (including your Swiss Heartland Untour, which you are going to absolutely love) and that's how I've changed my money.  Never had a problem -- it's quick and easy.  I also take out the maximum I can for cash at the airport when I first arrive.  Wear the excess money in a security carrier under my clothes and just keep what I need for the day handier
.  Do find out from the issuer of your ATM card how much they will charge for using it in a "foreign" (meaning not one of their own) machine.  Most do charge and that's why it's worth considering taking out the maximum -- it reduces your cost.  A lot of little ATM withdrawals can really boost your cost.
Hope this helps.
Christine in Massachusetts

-------------- Original message from Vicki Morrow <vmorrow at triad.rr.com>: -------------- 

Good Morning,


When we went to the Swiss Heartland in July 07, we went to the bank before we left and had money changed over to francs...... now, I am not sure if that is such a great idea... I would like to have some updated info regarding the benefit of waiting to get to the airport in Zurich and making the change there...   Thank you
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