DO NOT CHANGE CURRENCY IN THE AIRPORT.  The best way to exchange currency is to go to a major bank before you leave on your trip (Bank of America, Chase, Citibank) and speak with a representative who will exchange currency for you at a much cheaper rate. You can also do it at a local vendor in the city you are traveling to, or just take out money from an ATM in the city you are traveling too.

Go and talk to your bank about a card with zero international transaction fees while you are abroad so you don’t punished on heavy international fees on credit card transactions or when taking out cash from an ATM. You should also contact your bank in advance and let them know where you are traveling to and for how long so that your credit card or debit card are not flagged as fraud which would temporarily block you from using these cards. If you forget to call your bank or credit card company before you leave on your trip, call the international number located on the back of your card.

I.e. a Citigold card or Chase Sapphire Preferred card are good examples. AMEX is rarely taken in Europe so don’t even bother taking it, although in recent years they have started to accept the card more. When paying internationally, often you will be asked whether you would like to pay in the local currency, or your home currency (i.e. USD$). Always select to pay in the local currency. If you choose to pay in your home currency there is usually a double charge for processing the international currency fees from both the establishment and your bank, whereas if you select paying in the local currency your bank or credit card company will pay at the local rate and the administrative cost to convert back to USD to be reflected in your account will be absorbed by the bank.