Sharkbait wrote:
> Perhaps the question is old by now but will I generally be better off using
> my VISA or AMEX card or my Bank of America ATM card (withdrawing cash daily
> as required)? In the past, I have carried large US dollar notes and
> exchanging locally for the best rate. I am trying to carry as little cash
> as possible but will be carrying travelers checks as well. Thanks in
> advance.
These are matters you resolve by talking to the organisations that issue
your cards. It's the issuing bank that sets the charge made for ATM
withdrawals overseas, and the total fee may be made up of a percentage
for the credit clearance system (Visa, etc.) and another for the issuing
bank (but they will tell you the total). One UK card of mine charges a
whopping £5 for each transaction, while there are other UK banks that
charge nothing at all. One Hong Kong issued card I have charges a mere
HK$20 at affiliated banks, and HK$30 at others.
The websites of the credit clearance system used (Visa, Maestro, Plus,
etc), although rarely entirely up to date, will tell you the general
availability of ATMs accepting your card in whatever country you are
visiting.
Peter N-H
http://www.datasinica.com |