Currency Issues

Using foreign currency does not have to be confusing.

I find it best to find out how much it would cost in U.S. dollars to buy one Euro and then multiply that amount by the cost in euros.

The dollar has gained a bit in value recently. :-)

The website I use to keep an eye on exchange rates is:
www.x-rates.com

In 2006 the rate has ranged from as little as $1.20 in Feb and March to as high as $1.30 in June. It currently is around $1.26 to buy one Euro.

So today if I wanted to buy something with a price of 10 Euros, it would cost around $12.60.

Of course the "official" exchange rate is not the exact one used by banks and businesses. They will use a slightly different one or tack on a fee for the exchange service. Credit card companies do the same.

By doing some research and talking with Swiss friends, I find while we are in Geneva, Switzerland we will not have to exchange Euros into Swiss Francs, the official currency there (those Swiss are so independent!).
However if you pay with cash in Euros, you will receive change in Swiss Francs. (This is similar to what happens when we use American dollars to buy something in Canada.) The easiest way to purchase something would be to use a debit or credit card.

While on vacation I try to be knowledgeable but not overly concerned with exchange rates and just enjoy the trip. :-)