neither me CaptainD, i like to keep things as simple as possible - i convert $$ and use local currency wherever i travel. much easier to just carry one kind of money in my pocket, and not have to think about equivalencies or conversion, ever. plus some smaller places will not be able to make change for a small purchase, or for a US $ bill. For me it's just simpler all around to use local currency; also i find it's a great way to get into the spirit of a place when i'm on "their" system; for me it's more fun that way.