I've used both traveler's checks and credit cards on past trips to Ireland. For every purchase made with my Visa credit card I am charged a 3% transaction fee. Same goes for cash advances on the card. With traveler's checks, the best exchange rates are at banks, but banks also charge a transaction fee. It's difficult for me to get a good feel for what those bank fees are these days. I'm trying to figure out which is cheaper -- the 3% transaction fee from my credit card, or the bank fees for cashing traveler's checks. Or is there another option I'm not aware of. With the very painful exchange rate, I need to do whatever I can to stretch my travel dollars. I'm looking for the cheapest way to acquire local currency and make purchases. Any suggestions?