Heading to Amsterdam- need advice

[Mizmoon]

Does anyone know what is the best place to do my currency exchange?
Should I do it at Kennedy, Schipol, or someplace else?

[2Design]

1. do only a little at kennedy or any airport - they charge a large

fee for doing the exchange - do the rest in a bank in the country your are going to

[Pert_UK]

2. Personal opinions.......

1 - never change at an airport. It is ALWAYS more expensive. Even if the rates look good you need to check the minimum commission charges. But basically, never change at an airport.

2 - Schipol airport is notorious for petty crime. I've only been once but several of my party had been pickpocketed there before and one got done the next day.

3 - In the UK, banks or travel agents usually do better rates than Bureaux de Change on high streets. It's probably the same in Amsterdam.

4 - Personally, I use my Maestro/Switch bank card to get small amounts of cash directly out of my account via cash machines / ATMs in the UK, US or Europe. You may pay slightly more in commission (my bank makes no charges for the service though) but you're less exposed to losing lots of money at once if you get robbed.

5 - consider using travellers cheques as they're often safer....However, it is always good to arrive in a foreign country with a reasonable amount of local cash so you can get taxis etc.

[Radius]

3. Excellent info.

I also carry Travelers checks.
American Express or Diners Club can be useful if you get in a bind.

When in areas where security is questionable, wear jeans and put your currency in your front pocket. Or wear a coat, weather permitting, with an inside pocket that zips.

Your outward appearance, looking around at people, and paying attention to who is near you will solve 90% of theft problems. Carry your passport at all times, if you can not, have your hotel place it in a safe. DO NOT leave it in your room.

Have lots of fun..

[Mizmoon]

6. Thank you! n/t

[Wwagsthedog]

4. This link will help after you change money

Safe trip & good luck!

http://www.coffeeshop.freeuk.com/

[Mizmoon]

5. There are coffeeshops in Amsterdam?

who knew? :evilgrin:

[pagerbear]

8. Surely you're not suggesting

...this poor, uninformed tourist take part in activities that are illegal in most parts of the US?! I am shocked, shocked!

[pagerbear]

7. I rarely carry much cash when I travel

...or travelers checks. I always use ATMs. At the destination airport I use an ATM to get enough to get me where I need to go. Although I don't have hard data to back this up, my impression is that ATM fees (even the higher ones at tourist places like airports) are more reasonable than exchange fees.