Am I calculating this correctly?

corblimey

Usually, I exchange money over here before heading off, but for my next holiday to Dubai, I'm just going to take money out over there, which seems to be the cheapest way of getting cash. I've got a Visa Debit card with PTSB which charges 3.5% up to e11.43 for every transaction, so in my mind, anything over e330 or thereabouts is only ever going to cost me e11.43. So I should be looking to take money out of around that amount (or more if necessary) each time I go to the ATM (obviously taking into account how much money I actually need, no point in taking out e330's worth on the last day).

I'm planning on using XE.com to determine about how much AED I can get for e330 before I go, so I have a ballpark.

Am I doing that right? Any gotchas?

(I checked the Visa ATM locator website, and it has a bunch of ATMs in and around the area I'm staying, so I should be cushtie)

jaymcg91

I used my BOI card in the US recently, and they charged far less than AIB or PTSB, I'm not sure why.

No, XE is wholesale rates, retail rates (that we get) are usually quite different.

This would be a better indicator for you of how much it will cost: http://www.visaeurope.com/making-payments/exchange-rates

ardmacha

BOI charge 2.25%. Best value is EBS, I think, although they have a minimum charge.

killbillvol2

You're working it out correctly, that's what I do to minimize the pain of the €11.43. PTSB will allow up to €700 a day in withdrawals. The bank in Dubai may not allow that much in a single withdrawal, however, so check it out. Limits often vary from bank to bank.

I must have a look at BoI myself - 2.25% isn't bad.

Gatica

I've taken out larger amounts before in the US by going to a proper bank. They need ID and a couple of forms, but it does save you money on ATM charges, which are on top of what your bank charges, I can't remember whether there was a % bank charge