Currency exchange??

[pjacobi]

Just to restate, when using your debit card if given the option to pay in US Dollars - don't. Pay in the local currency.

The same is true for credit cards - always pay in local currency and let you bank do the exchange.

If you pay in US dollars, the seller sets the exchange rate - it won't be in your favor!

EXCEPTION: Some credit cards have high fees for currently exchange, but most good credit cards have little or no exchange fees. Check the fine print for your specific card.



-Paul

 

[Dive Bar Casanova]

Ever since the cruise lines went cashless, onboard exchanges kinda dried up. Even then it was mostly foreign currency to American only in hopes tipping would be affected positively.

 

[minniebeth]

@briananddeb, are you doing any private tours either in ports or in Barcelona? If so, some companies may want the balance of the payment in (local) cash~ just something to be aware of

 

[pjacobi]

Make sure your credit card is chipped and let your bank know where you are going. Everyone takes cards there - you will only need cash for tips. Charged transactions should be in Euro for best rate.

The US uses mostly Chip and Signature, while most of Europe uses Chip and PIN. The US Chip and Signature card will work just fine in European shops and restaurant, except for some vending machine which require a Chip and Pin card.

Make sure the rate is charged in the local currency and let the bank do the conversion, rather than the rate defined and favored by the merchant.


-Paul