We, like you used to use traveler's checks but fewer places offer them and few accept them. Double check with your credit card provider but it's true that most have gotten away from % fee for foreign use. ATM's are generally better than they used to be but there are still fees from cc and or the ATM bank. Several recent comparisons enable you to get the best value credit cards. Suggest you google internet for that information. You are probably aware that AMEX is not accepted as much as VISA and MC.