Currency

Do you need to obtain any foreign currency before leaving? Basel to Amsterdam

Comments

  • My preference is to always travel with some local currency, especially if adding pre/post tour days. It is very much a personal choice.

  • A few euros might be useful. But credit cards accepted everywhere and the tip for the TD’s is included on this tour

  • In addition, the tip for the driver who picks you up at the airport is taken care of by Tauck. We seldom use cash for anything other than very small purchases especially on river cruises where it's already covered. But if you really want cash, ATMs in Europe are plentiful. J Avoid non-bank, independent ATMs in Europe—such as Euronet, Travelex, Your Cash, Cardpoint, and Cashzone—due to high fees, poor exchange rates, and potential scams. These machines are common in tourist areas, airports, and train stations. Instead, use reputable bank-affiliated ATMs (e.g., BNP Paribas, Deutsche Bank) to ensure fair rates and security. And always select the option to have your bank do the conversion of the exchange rate - not the ATM or when using a credit card for purchases. You'll get better rates.

  • I usually don't convert currencies when I travel, but the Euro is so ubiquitous, I always have a few hundred available (kept at home between trips and brought with me during travel, and replenished via ATM as needed).

  • In those very rare instances when the $ reaches parity with the € (2022, for example), I stock up on them.

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