Best ways to exchange cash or withdraw money while traveling?

travelmoneybudgeting

Plamen_25

Joined:
05.03.2020
Posts: 1506

Topic Starter

03.02.2025 13:47

I'm heading to Europe for a few weeks and I'm honestly a bit overwhelmed by all the conflicting advice on how to handle currency exchange. I've heard that airport kiosks are a total rip-off, but I'm not sure if I should just use my local debit card at ATMs or try to get physical cash before I leave. Does anyone have a preferred method or a specific card they use to avoid those annoying foreign transaction fees? I'd really appreciate any tips on how to minimize costs so I don't lose half my budget to bank charges.

13 replies in this topic

Niko_N

Joined:
13.09.2020
Posts: 1693

12.02.2025 07:39

Avoid airport kiosks like the plague. They have the worst rates by far.

radek_sofia

Joined:
30.01.2022
Posts: 2012

13.05.2025 15:56

In reply to a previous post

Definitely get a debit card that reimburses ATM fees. Charles Schwab is the gold standard for travelers, honestly.

anonimen_bg

Joined:
03.07.2023
Posts: 2217

02.07.2025 15:14

I just use my credit card for everything. Most places in Europe take contactless payment now, so I rarely even touch cash.

NqkoiNesh

Joined:
24.04.2025
Posts: 1930

10.07.2025 23:48

In reply to a previous post

Make sure your credit card doesn't have foreign transaction fees though. Some charge 3% on every single purchase.

chicho_savet

Joined:
18.03.2021
Posts: 37

01.11.2025 16:24

In reply to a previous post

Don't bother with local banks before you leave. The exchange rates at home are usually terrible compared to just pulling cash from a local ATM in Europe.

Leni_C

Joined:
02.05.2023
Posts: 2195

10.11.2025 02:55

Always choose 'decline conversion' if the ATM screen asks you to lock in an exchange rate. Let your home bank handle the conversion, it's almost always cheaper.

Fari_P

Joined:
06.08.2025
Posts: 292

06.12.2025 10:03

In reply to a previous post

That's a great tip! I learned that the hard way in Prague and lost like $20 on a single withdrawal.

Alan_K

Joined:
20.09.2024
Posts: 1951

06.12.2025 11:36

I recommend Revolut or Wise for travel. You can hold multiple currencies and the exchange rates are mid-market.

NeZnamNoPisha

Joined:
23.09.2024
Posts: 781

06.12.2025 22:40

In reply to a previous post

Wise is great, but keep in mind there's a limit on free ATM withdrawals per month depending on the account tier.

Fabi_W

Joined:
18.08.2020
Posts: 1665

08.01.2026 09:42

Just notify your bank before you go so they don't block your card for 'suspicious activity' when you land.

Brayan_Z

Joined:
18.04.2023
Posts: 1434

15.01.2026 03:51

In reply to a previous post

Good point. I had my card blocked in Italy once and it was a nightmare to resolve over the phone.

misho_777

Joined:
27.01.2022
Posts: 69

01.03.2026 18:21

Keep a backup card in a separate bag just in case you lose your wallet. You don't want to be stranded without funds.

BqlaVrana

Joined:
16.08.2021
Posts: 985

14.03.2026 02:58

In reply to a previous post

Exactly, and keep a small amount of emergency cash in your luggage too, just in case the ATMs are down or your card gets eaten.

Best ways to exchange cash or withdraw money while traveling?

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