[Idyllchat] cash

[Jay Cloidt]

I agree with Russ. On our last trip to Italy, we were having problems with
transactions being declined until, in one shop, the shop keeper called the
bank, and they asked to speak to my wife. They were trying to determine if
we were actually in Italy because security had flagged our transactions.

Since that trip, I call my bank for my ATM card and whichever credit cards I
want to use for emergencies, and I tell them that I will be out of the
country, where I am going, and when I'm going to be there. They put a note
on the account, and I've had no troubles since then.

- Jay

On Nov 21, 2007 9:47 AM, Russ Crum <rrcrum at sbcglobal.net> wrote:

> Vicki,
> I completely agree with Christine's comments. For ten years now of
> European trips, we have used the ATM's without incident. We do take a small
> stash of US currency just as a backup in case of an ATM problem but we have
> always come home with that since we never had to use it.
>
> I would add one more thing- be sure you inform your bank as to when you
> will be out of the country and which countries you will be using your ATM
> card in. I was told by our bank that failing to do that could result in
> their security systems putting a block on our card because abnormal activity
> would be detected. That would require a phone call back to your bank to
> re-activate your ATM usage. We have always informed our bank and not had an
> issue. The same caveat applies to any credit cards you intend to use while
> in Europe.
>
>
> Russ Crum
> rrcrum at sbcglobal.net
>
> On Nov 21, 2007, at 9:36 , ZBerry at att.net wrote:
>
> 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 cloth es 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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