currency question

[gnome12]

33 minutes ago, dogs4fun said:

Agree - I never convert in the states. I use an ATM in the city I am visiting - much better rate.

Sorry, you aren't agreeing with me. I find the cost of using an ATM is usually prohibitive, because of the charges. I generally exchange money before I leave. The same might not be true for you; I know that Americans have much more choice in credit cards without a foreign exchange fee, and I believe that they also have bank cards without these charges.

 

For me, that 3½% charge means that I do better on amounts over about CAD$100 when I change at my currency exchange place, even if I mix currencies to get the $100. If I exchange more, I'm even better off.

[dogs4fun]

Apologies - was agreeing that the rates and final conversion is better for me through an ATM. Reading your post more carefully, I now see that your final cost is more. I do not have a 3.5% charge when using the ATM in foreign countries &  the exchange at my bank is atrocious (closer to 7%).