Travel MoneyWhat are your options for paying for your expenses while traveling? Travel money can come from several different sources. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.
How much of your trip will be prepaid? Estimate average daily expenses for food, lodging, admissions, and transportation. Don't forget gifts and souvenirs. Don't spend alot of time on this, you just need a reasonable estimate of your requirements.
Ask about their rates for foreign transactions and currency conversion. Also ask the banks how much cash you can withdraw at one time and also during a 24 hour period. This way I have cash if I need to pay for transportation from the airport to my hotel or B&B. While the currency exhange kiosk charges a fee, the exchange rates are usually reasonably good and the small cost is far outweighed by the convenience. If you plan on doing this you will need to bring cash to exchange for the foreign currency. Most of these kiosks don't accept credit cards. It's not a good idea to plan to use US dollars in Europe. They will not be accepted everywhere and you will not receive a favorable exchange rate at most retail shops and restaurants. 
Foreign Currency Exchange Many countries in Europe have adopted the Euro as their currency rather than using the currency of their own country. Several more countries plan to adopt the Euro in the near future. However, many countries still use their own currency. Find out before you leave what currency is used in the country/countries you are going to visit.
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