American in Spain here. Everybody declines USD. Literally got coffee for free this morning because it was the only shop I’ve seen out of like 100 in the week I’ve been here that wouldn’t take card.
For a charge of €2.50, when I offered $5 he opted to take nothing instead.
Why not have local currency while you’re in a foreign country where why would you assume they would accept your money they would have to go to the bank to exchange?
Agreed. We’ve tried. ATMs aren’t working with our cards and every touristy exchange kiosk option charges a shitload in fees. Why not just pay with card when literally every store until our second to last day in the country has been happy to take card? Including bus stations, train stations, taxis, etc. We stopped trying about halfway in when we got to more rural areas and they still happily accepted visa. We wanted to exchange at home before the trip but found out too late that our banks require two weeks notice to exchange currency so they can get it in.
We just learned today to ask and not assume before ordering. We were asking in the beginning but got complacent after the 100th “of course” response lol.
American in Spain here. Everybody declines USD. Literally got coffee for free this morning because it was the only shop I’ve seen out of like 100 in the week I’ve been here that wouldn’t take card.
For a charge of €2.50, when I offered $5 he opted to take nothing instead.
Why not have local currency while you’re in a foreign country where why would you assume they would accept your money they would have to go to the bank to exchange?
Hahahah, imagine going to another country and trying to pay in another currency and being shocked they wouldn’t accept it.
I can’t even spend Scottish notes in England when it’s all Sterling, never mind trying to pay for a small shop coffee in dollars.
Not atypical for Americans, having worked in many industries that cater to tourists I’ve seen that very often…
“I tried putting my money the slot machine, how come it doesn’t work?”
“It’s USD sir, you’ll need to change it for CAD…”
“😯”
I understand it’s easier for you just to use a card, so you don’t think it’s necessary, but it’s probably a good idea to carry a few euros at least
Agreed. We’ve tried. ATMs aren’t working with our cards and every touristy exchange kiosk option charges a shitload in fees. Why not just pay with card when literally every store until our second to last day in the country has been happy to take card? Including bus stations, train stations, taxis, etc. We stopped trying about halfway in when we got to more rural areas and they still happily accepted visa. We wanted to exchange at home before the trip but found out too late that our banks require two weeks notice to exchange currency so they can get it in.
We just learned today to ask and not assume before ordering. We were asking in the beginning but got complacent after the 100th “of course” response lol.
yeah makes sense