[Idyllchat] Re: Money, fannypacks, etc.

[TSchlingel at aol.com]

I guess I have a different opinion on this.  In the St. Louis Metro  area 
only one bank out of probably 50-75 will sell Euros.  Their  charge is about a 
5-7 percent premium on the exchange.  In addition, they  apply a flat extra 
charge if you don't have an account of some kind with the  bank.
I've found that if you have an ATM card (not a credit card that treats  
withdrawals as cash advances), you will find the exchange rate to be the  best.  I 
use a VISA debit card and my St. Louis based S&L makes a flat  charge of $1 
and an exchange rate that almost matches the worldwide exchange  rate on the 
date I take funds.    For back-up I also use a  multi-state bank and their VISA 
debit card.  They charge me $3 per  transaction and the exchange rate is 
slightly less favorable.  I've  noted on this forum before that I've withdrawn funds 
from both accounts using  two different foreign ATM's within spitting 
distance of each other and within a  10 minute time period just to test what was the 
best.  I also take a  minimum of 300-400 Euros when I make a withdrawal and 
pay all costs from that  cash.  I also have been bringing back about 800 Euros 
as a hedge against  the exchange rate on my next trip.  And, most important, I 
never use  fanny packs or  carry a wallet. I use a travel wallet inside my 
shirt  or pants as others have discussed.   In addition to the two Debit  cards, 
I carry one credit card.  Of course, I carry my passport and,  at age 74, I 
carry my Medicare card. 
I have never even seen a pickpocket and suspect I don't even look like a  
tourist.  I also don't stand in the middle of a square or street looking at  a 
map.  I plan my walking route meticulously and try to look like I  belong.  That 
also means, I leave the pretty "white tennies", the cute  baseball or John 
Deere caps back in the US.  I don't advertise the  Cardinals, the Rams, the 
Blues, St. Louis, or any other kinds of "signs" or  identifiers on my clothing.  
One of my greatest pleasures is to be  approached by Americans asking if I 
speak any English enough to help them  with directions.  I use my best "halting 
English" to direct them as well as  I can.  I've also found that on those 
occasions when I am approached  by those who seem to be "The Ugly Americans", my 
knowledge of English can  disappear completely (and I have more than one story 
about that).
Tom Erdman, St. Louis, MO



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