T&T: Visa/MasterCharge alternatives for currency conversion

[Thomas Averill]

B of A recently sent me a new enhanced (Black) Visa (same rules for Master)
card, cancelling the old under-appreciated gold one.  I don't trust them, so I
asked for a copy of the agreement terms.  I was appalled.  Ever read one those
things?  No wonder people get into trouble with them.  Anyway, the charge is
now 3% on all currency converted transactions, last week it was 1%.  They now
treat these transactions on a par with a cash advance or over-limit purchase.
Oh, one more, if you buy an internet purchase from an overseas
provider....same rules, 3%.  Wire transfer, nope:3%!



How do you fund your foreign purchases more inexpensively?



Thanks, Tom