Euro's - change money or use card?

[loobymiss]

As I hear the euro rate is rubbish at the moment I am wondering the best way of taking spending money in DLP.

I've got a Nationwide debit card which I believe doesn't charge for using abroad or I can just change some cash into euros.

Does anyone know if there is much difference in cost for these 2 options as I don't know what will be best?

[ema74]

We took around 250 euros with us but used the cards in the shops and restaurants. It was more convenient than carrying lots of money all the time and we didn't have to worry about running out of cash and then having to take money out while we were there.

To be honest with you, don't know about the exchange rate and the bank charges (we're with Barclays), but it was bad in April.

[Andrew DEREK UK]

I have my DIsney tickjets today, but I will not order any cash in advance, I am going to use my cards out there, and hope the rate gets a bit better, but I will limit my expenditure to ensure I do not bring back euros.

Card rates are good compared with Notes, but advise your bank before you go.

[Cyrano]

We only took €100 for our trip last summer.
Used Nationwide debt to withdraw cash from ATM. If you use it to pay for purchases you'll be charged as a cash advance and transaction charges.
For most purchases we used Nationwide credit card which offered a far better rate than exchanging money :goodvibes

[bgraham34]

I went to London and Dublin last week for work and my bank charge i think $5 to change the money, which I thought was fair.