Money question...

We travel a lot all over Europe and mostly use cash, unless we book before (hotels, cars).

We had situations when banks didn't let transactions to go through even though we called before and let them know about our travels.

Don't want to risk it.

We are ok with exchange fees. We do learn about better exchange locations.

Then look for a new bank.

There is NO reason for them decline charges when they have been notified. I have had an issue only a couple of times, and virtually never notify them.

Last one was funny, I was traveling, but placing an order online with a US company. One card flagged it as possibly fraud and emailed me. I completed the transaction on other card, then later saw the email.

If you are willing to give away some 3 - 5% of your money, fine, use money changers. The only places I use them is where there is a huge difference between changing money and the official rate from ATMs. Many years ago in Zimbabwe, the official rate was $1- 240. The money changer rate was $1 = 5000. A 20x difference is good.

We had this happened even in US when travelling outside of our usual places to travel. But in US it is easier to call and resolve this issue.