23.1.2011 3:56, David Hatunen kirjoitti:
On Wed, 19 Jan 2011 12:31:38 +0100, Martin wrote:

Some ATMs charge for use. Avoid them.

In general, ATM exchange rates are so close to the interbank rate that
they make using something like For-Ex absurd. But, although some banks do
charge a fee for withdrawals from machines that aren't theirs (just as
they do back in the USA), the fees charged are small enough that they are
still worthwhile in comparison to converting money. Even if the fee is US
$3.00 per withdrawal, that's only one percent on a $300 withdrawal.


Quite reasonable a margin. However, many Finnish banks are very greedy
when their customers withdraw money outside the Euro-region balancing
their own banking accounts. For instance Nordea Bank (more Swedish than
Finnish) has charged by a formula like 2,5 euros + 2%. It is impossible
to explain such a whoppy margin by hefty expenses to the bank because
there isn't any. The EU regulates euro withdrawals and hence the Finnish
banks must keep their sticky fingers away. Heh heh.

I used to secure my cash money abroad by TCs when it was practical.
Nowadays plastic has taken their place and I may have some TCs for a
modest back-up.