All about Geld - Argent - Dinero - Euro - $$$

Check to see if your bank has any partner banks in other countries to save on transaction fees.  For example, I have used these banks which partner with my American bank:
- Scotia Bank in Canada
- BNP Paribas in France
- BNP in Italy
- Deutsch Bank in Germany

Make sure you notify your bank in advance that you will be traveling so that your card isn't blocked.  You may be able to set up a travel notice online.

Request your credit card pin in advance of your trip.  Some automated machines in Europe require credit card pins, e.g. at public transit stations.  It may NOT be something you can request on the phone or online during your trip.  They mail it to you a couple weeks after you submit your request.

My bank charges a ~$7 transaction fee plus their conversion rate for foreign currency orders. It takes about 2 business days to arrive at a local branch for pickup.  You can request small bills, large bills, or a mix.  No coins are provided, though.

Check with your financial institution to see if they have travel credit card deals.  For example, my travel card has no foreign transaction fees and also accumulates points related to travel spending which can be redeemed towards future credit card payments which do not have to be related to travel spending.  It's like a rebate for a portion of your travel expenditures.

Bring your 1-800 number help line with you in case you lose your card(s).  Store it separately from your cards.  I had the misfortune of losing my cards once while overseas, and it was a lifesaver to be able to call collect (at bank's expense) to be able to report the loss right away.  Luckily my travel companion had their cards such that my frozen accounts did not damper my ability to cover expenses for the rest of the trip.