I carefully watched the market for fluctuating currency rates that seemed low enough to exchange my American dollars for euros at a decent exchange rate. I went to three different U.S. banks requesting currency exchanges before I boarded my plane to Italy. None of them had currency to exchange. On average, at a bank you will lose eight percent when you change your dollars to euros. This meant I would have to exchange my dollars at an international airport or exchange office and pay outrageous fees up to 19 percent on top of the money I was already losing to convert my depleting dollars to the Euro, which at the time was $1.12 dollars to every Euro.
I learned the hard way when I handed the Italian exchange clerk $750 across the counter and left with $526...ouch! My Italian boyfriend argued with the clerk, both were using their hands, and he was slamming his fist down on the counter. After being scammed, I quickly learned I knew virtually nothing about how to protect myself and my money.
Below are six tips that saved my wallet the next time we traveled to Italy!
1. Notify your credit card company and bank BEFORE leaving.
I completely forgot to tell my bank I was in Italy before I left. My credit card was denied at three different restaurants and I hadn't converted my dollars to euros, yet. To make matters worse, I didn't have international calls on my phone to notify the bank the suspicious activities were actually me! It was a nightmare.
2. Exchange your dollars to local currency when you can.
Even though the banks I went to did not have currency to exchange, that does not mean you cannot find one with little to no fees! Foreign post offices have the best rates, ideally. The last thing you want to do is desperately seek a currency exchange place in the middle of your meal (hello, I am an idiot). I stood in line at the airport to exchange my currency for $1.18, but I thought I would find a cheaper exchange rate in Rome closer to $1.10. I would have rather exchanged at $1.18 than embarrassed myself.
3. Look for credit cards with no foreign transaction fees.
Finding a credit card that doesn't charge you a service fee of two to three percent will give you such peace of mind.
Some of the best no foreign transaction fee credit cards of 2016 are the BankAmericard Travel Rewards card, Chase Sapphire Preferred, Capital One Venture Rewards card, and Barclaycard Arrival Plus World Elite MasterCard.
4. Use the credit card as often as possible.
A good rule of thumb for me: Use the credit card when you are shopping, drinking, and reserving a hotel. Keep a small amount of cash handy when you want to purchase something small from a local vendor who only takes cash. It is likely most shops and restaurants do not accept American Express or Discover card, especially in Europe, so bring a spare Visa or MasterCard.
5. Open an international checking account.
My boyfriend and I talked about this since we visit Europe twice a year. If you travel internationally once or more a year, it might be wise of you to hack your overseas money conversions like a pro. Consider opening an international checking account for free, at banks like Charles Schwab. Just make sure you have the funds in your account and can find a local office. Here's some help with setting up a Charles Schwab Bank Account.
6. Use a currency conversion app.
Keep an app on your phone! It is a life saver. There are so many conversion apps but the one I like best is Currency app for iPhones and Androids.
If you know of any helpful tips or advice for others, please comment below!
