[iknowexactly]

I believe etrade refunds ATM fees also, at least in the USA. Swedbank in Ukraine charges a $5.00 ATM, fee which they don't warn or tell you about.

One thing about using a US bank with foreign branches, is that if they are registered in that foreign country, that country can probably legally freeze your money in that account if they want.

Say, If Italy wants to confiscate some of your money, Citibank-Italy is not going to go to the mat for you, little fish, they're going to do exactly what the Italians say to do.

However, a company with no registration in Italy might no obey Italy's instructions to grab your account.

I'm guessing they can't do that if the US company has no offices in, say, Italy, and your account is in a US company.

[Spike]

I used my atm debit card and some small cash on my whole 42 country trip and never had any problems.

Best thing to do is to keep some money from the country you're leaving and change it when crssing the border. I always keep 10 dolla for this in less civilized countries so i can at least take a bus somewhere.

Back in Holland now.

[KingofScotland]

How does that feel right now Neil?

[Spike]

(12-26-2011 07:39 AM)KingofScotland Wrote:  

How does that feel right now Neil?

Mixed emotions, i want to travel again but on the other hand a regular "normal" life and time to do things i dont have time or motivation for during traveling like working out and learning a language.

Its not easy, having to start with nothing.

[KingofScotland]

I always found learning a language was easier whilst in the country / on the road than it is at home. The motivation to learn here is low for me, if I have to learn to be able to speak to the locals I try harder.

Regular, normal, lives are over-rated. Trust me. You'll be longing for the road again soon. Congrats for travelling for 3 long years, it's definitely hard going. Being in your own bed will feel like a treat.