Bank conversion fee

[Carolinian]

Banks are generally better in airports and train stations than independemt exchange booths, but even some of them hit you harder than others on exchange rates and / or commissions. Some make money soley on the differential between buying and selling rates, while others also add a commission on top of lhat, so you really need to figure both factors in as to which is the best deal.

A good example of the difference in banks on foreign exchange at the airport has long been Zurich (it has been a couple of years since I flew through there so I do not know this is still true, but it has been for 20+ years). Different Swiss banks have offices that handle exchange in each of the terminals. The exchange rates are the same or close but the kicker is one adds on a hefty commission and the other does not. It has always been well worth walking to the other terminal to change dollars to Swiss francs without a commission. I also did not see any better exchange rate in the city away from the airport.

It is good to check the current mid-market interbank exchange rate on a site like xe.com shortly before leaving the US.

 

[WinniWoman]

My bank suggested I just use their app to freeze my card and if I need to use it I can simply unfreeze it on the app.

Of course, that means signing in on my phone on unsecure WiFi. Nothings perfect. But just might do that.

And yes- I have the XE app on my phone just to give me an idea of what the mid market rate is.

 

[dioxide45]

Of course, that means signing in on my phone on unsecure WiFi. Nothings perfect. But just might do that.

Even though you are on a public WiFi, your connection to the bank through the app is encrypted.

 

[WinniWoman]

Even though you are on a public WiFi, your connection to the bank through the app is encrypted.

Oh thanks. Good to know.

 

[WinniWoman]

So I got a call from my bank that our Euro order came in. Hubby and I zip over there this morning. The teller was counting the bills and looked a bit confused, but she put them in an envelope and I signed and we went home.

I open the envelope to see what they look like and wait - Bank of Costa Rica! What the?!!!

They were pretty I must say, but I can’t understand how she did this as it didn’t seem they even added up to 300. Plus I ordered specific denominations.

I called the bank and back in the car we went. This time I dealt with a great teller I know there and he apologized and, of course, gave me the correct envelope- counting the bills in front of me.

Jeez… you just can’t trust anyone today.

 

[slip]

So I got a call from my bank that our Euro order came in. Hubby and I zip over there this morning. The teller was counting the bills and looked a bit confused, but she put them in an envelope and I signed and we went home.

I open the envelope to see what they look like and wait - Bank of Costa Rica! What the?!!!

They were pretty I must say, but I can’t understand how she did this as it didn’t seem they even added up to 300. Plus I ordered specific denominations.

I called the bank and back in the car we went. This time I dealt with a great teller I know there and he apologized and, of course, gave me the correct envelope- counting the bills in front of me.

Jeez… you just can’t trust anyone today.

It was an Omen. You need to cancel and go to Costa Rica.

 

[Carolinian]

Even though you are on a public WiFi, your connection to the bank through the app is encrypted.

Public wifi can be a risk when travelling. It is best to use a VPN. To avoid paying for a VPN, protonmail offers its bare bones VPN for free. You can sign on from anywhere, but the free version only routes your connection through the US, Netherlands, or Japan. The paid version offers to route your connection through most any country, but the free version fits my needs.

 

[Rjbeach2003]

The first time we went to Europe I got Euros at AAA. Paid a fee. by next trip I opened a Wise.com account. They will exchange $ for Euros for a very small fee, at whatever the exchange rate is. then you get a MC Debit card. I use that rather than my US Visa card, then I don't have to worry about exchange fees. I can withdraw Euros from a bank ATM for about a 1 or 2% fee. If necessary I have my US cards. You can only get coins by spending and getting coins in change. Not a big deal.

 

[davidvel]

Really? I asked the tour company if I should use euros to tip the tour guide and she said yes. Their literature had said the recommended tip should be $x per day- US dollars. So I just figured I’d just consider it the same amount- close enough.

So I ordered $200 in euros instead of giving her or him $200 cash.

I also had heard taxis, etc would want euros not dollars for the fare and tips.

Our bank charges fees to withdraw at atms. I believe they use VISA atms but have to double check that. Our card is strictly an atm card. It is not a debit card.

We plan on using credit cards as much as possible. I can’t deal with this cash stuff. I rarely even use cash at home! lol!

You are tipping the guide $200? How much is your tour? Most places in Europe don't expect tips. In restaurants there isn't even an opportunity when using a credit card.

 

[WinniWoman]

You are tipping the guide $200? How much is your tour? Most places in Europe don't expect tips. In restaurants there isn't even an opportunity when using a credit card.

The tour company actually recommended more than that! $10- $15 per person per day. 15 day tour is really only actually 12 days technically as first night is just welcome dinner and last day is transfer to the airport.

Still we felt 100 euros per each of us would be enough.

I figured to tip wheelchair assistants in the airports. If we need to use a cab maybe round up.

As for restaurants. I don’t plan on tipping. Again might round up.

This is all new to me.

 

[ScoopKona]

1) Uber is better than cabs most of the time.

2) Tipping simply isn't a thing there. Usually you round to the nearest convenient amount. Pay 100 Euro on a 97.74 Euro bill. But they will absolutely bring your change back,

3) There is nothing stopping you from tipping your guide with two $100 bills. (If you want to tip $200.) They're fine with changing money.

 

[davidvel]

The tour company actually recommended more than that! $10- $15 per person per day. 15 day tour is really only actually 12 days technically as first night is just welcome dinner and last day is transfer to the airport.

Still we felt 100 euros per each of us would be enough.

I figured to tip wheelchair assistants in the airports. If we need to use a cab maybe round up.

As for restaurants. I don’t plan on tipping. Again might round up.

This is all new to me.

A flat amount is unusual. Is your tour $100 per person, per day?

 

[WinniWoman]

A flat amount is unusual. Is your tour $100 per person, per day?

Way more. I’m not understanding your point.

I was on a 9 day tour with a different company last year in the US and they recommended something similar.

 

[TolmiePeak]

Way more. I’m not understanding your point.

I was on a 9 tour with a different company last year in the US and they recommended something similar.

I guess we don't understand why you would tip in Europe. Tipping is an American concept.

 

[1Kflyerguy]

I guess we don't understand why you would tip in Europe. Tipping is an American concept.

I don't usually tip at restaurants in Europe, but when we did a tour it was common to tip the guides, perhaps that's just because our tour company caters to Americans, not sure, but we tipped a similar amount that WinniWoman suggested. From what what I observed, many of the other guests also tipped the guides.

But its not mandatory, so just do what feels right to you.

 

[Luanne]

I guess we don't understand why you would tip in Europe. Tipping is an American concept.

When my daughter and I went to Switzerland I tipped housekeeping, and I also tipped in restaurants, usually by rounding up.

 

[1Kflyerguy]

1) Uber is better than cabs most of the time.

We did not have great luck with Uber in Italy. When we were there, local regs only allowed for Uber Black, so it was more expensive than a taxi. There also was not that many drivers around. In Rome, i was usually able to find an Uber black if needed, but there was usually a wait for the car to arrive. I don't think i ever found a uber willing to accept my ride in the other cities, it was much faster and less expensive to just use a local taxi. In theory most taxi in Italy do take credit cards, but it seems like the driver prefer cash and often claimed the credit card machine was not working...

 

[ScoopKona]

We did not have great luck with Uber in Italy. When we were there, local regs only allowed for Uber Black, so it was more expensive than a taxi. There also was not that many drivers around. In Rome, i was usually able to find an Uber black if needed, but there was usually a wait for the car to arrive. I don't think i ever found a uber willing to accept my ride in the other cities, it was much faster and less expensive to just use a local taxi. In theory most taxi in Italy do take credit cards, but it seems like the driver prefer cash and often claimed the credit card machine was not working...

We tend to stay in much smaller towns. (Never in Florence, for instance -- always in the outskirts.) Our experiences are reversed. Good luck finding a taxi. Uber is more reliable. As for Rome, it's the one city we cheerfully stay in. And the metro is good enough for most things. I haven't driven (or been driven) in Rome this century. It was terrifying chaos last time -- and there were far fewer visitors back then.

In general, driving in Italy is something to be avoided -- unless the driver is a presenter on Top Gear and can get an entire road to themselves for a segment about the new million-dollar Ferrari.

 

[WinniWoman]

I guess we don't understand why you would tip in Europe. Tipping is an American concept.

Well I can always confirm with the tour company, but that’s what they said in their documents.

In fact, the docs say all tips included- transfers, hotel personnel, for the meals that are included with the tour, etc. but not for the tour guide.

I initially had called and asked if we should tip the tour guide in dollars or euros and she said euros.

 

[Carolinian]

When my daughter and I went to Switzerland I tipped housekeeping, and I also tipped in restaurants, usually by rounding up.

Rounding up is the usual tip in Europe, at restaurants not the 15-20% Americans are used to.

However, the more Americans in a country, the more the tipping culture expands. The UK has a new Tipping Act that comes into force tomorrow:

Tips mistake at restaurants and cafes with £5,000 fine after October law change

A new law on tipping comes into force on Tuesday, October 1.

www.express.co.uk

 

[1Kflyerguy]

Well I can always confirm with the tour company, but that’s what they said in their documents.

In fact, the docs say all tips included- transfers, hotel personnel, for the meals that are included with the tour, etc. but not for the tour guide.

I initially had called and asked if we should tip the tour guide in dollars or euros and she said euros.

That matches our experience on the tour we did.

 

[Krteczech]

We are taking 12 day bus tour around Turkey with European travel agency and the guide ,who will tip for services, is collecting 20 Euros per person total (not per day) to cover tips at hotels, transfers, bus driver, restaurants etc. Small tip in Turkey, bakshis, is customary, but tips are not expected in many European countries. Rounding in restaurants is customary. 2.37 = 2.50. 88=90. 93=95 You tell them when you pay, not after you get your change back, or before they run your card.
It usually goes is sink with denomination of local currency.

Also, remember to get rid off your change before departure. They have charity collection boxes on the airport.

 

[davidvel]

Way more. I’m not understanding your point.

I was on a 9 tour with a different company last year in the US and they recommended something similar.

I didn't realize tours were that expensive as I've never been on one. If your are inclined to tip, th as t seems to be a reasonable amount.

 

[davidvel]

When my daughter and I went to Switzerland I tipped housekeeping, and I also tipped in restaurants, usually by rounding up.

We were never given the option to round up in France or Spain. We always paid by CC.

 

[Luanne]

We were never given the option to round up in France or Spain. We always paid by CC.

We always paid by card as well, but I'm pretty sure we had the option of tipping by rounding up.