Another option, if you can afford it since it comes directly out of your checking account, is to use a debit card (check with your bank first though), as even though it runs through the visa/mastercard network, you usually don't have the foreign interchange add-on expense you mention here. Not to badmouth a Big bank In/of America, but I noticed they add a surcharge to my purchases when I buy things from Spanish websites. My debit card, however, which can be used just like a credit card, doesn't have that surcharge. Of course, like Antonio said, if you can just withdraw the cash, it's easier.