>My own experience since the early 1990s has been to use a credit card for
>purchases as much as possible. Since the credit card companies convert
>huge sums of money routinely, all those commissions, etc., are minimized.
Past experience does not serve that well. What was once the best way can
now be among the worst. There are now significant fees when using a
credit card.
Even checking first does not tell all because you don't know the
conversion rate. If one bank charges 3% and another 0% you may still pay
more with the 0% bank because they give you an unfair conversion rate.
Also have to consider if the card gives you a rebate. That can give you
back 1 to 3%.
We charged all of our advanced reservations with rebate cards that pay
2-5% [and paid in full when billed], but some cards don't give rebates
outside of the US. Find out which of your cards give rebates in foreign
locations before you leave. Our CU cards do, and so does the BP Chase
card. Also if you rent cars in Europe, you can get a discount at gas
stations by showing some airlines' membership cards. I think Iberia is
one, maybe Lufthansa partners too?
Betty
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