Plan ahead and save some cash

Regarding “Be Ready to Pay” [Readers Recommend, July 13], we travel often all over Europe and never have any problem with currency. Here’s why: We buy enough of the local currency for our arrival day before we leave (say $300), and then simply use our ATM card to withdraw cash from our U.S. checking account in the local currency.

To avoid fees, which are still cheaper than currency exchange rates, find out whether your home bank has corresponding banks in the countries you plan to visit -- this information is available online -- and make sure your ATM card will work abroad.

There should be no fees for withdrawals from the corresponding bank, and you get your bank’s daily exchange rate, the best value by far.

Peter Rutenberg

Westwood