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We're going to London for the weekend to celebrate our first weeding anniversary. It's not Jamaica (where we were married & planned to go back again this year, but it wasn't in the cards), but I love London, so despite the English winter weather it should be wonderful.
I booked the hotel and theatre tickets last night. The exchange rate is a tricky thing when you move to another country (especially when it doesn't work in your favor), but with time you can learn to work it to your advantage. I still have my US bank account that we mainly use for travelling (as well as a few odds and ends here - I like to use my own money for some things since I don't work). I have learned a thing or two that I'll pass on to other US Expats living in Europe where the exchange rate can really hit you hard (at one restaurant in Paris I paid $8.00 for a coke!)...
I use a lot online services. When ever possible, I use US sites. That way I don't get hit with the exchange rate when using US dollars to pay for the services (or just take advantage of the savings when paying with

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Mindy said…
Er, I always find it interesting to read about what it's like to live in another country. This was a really good post. It's not only useful for expats - but for anyone who wants to save money. You're so savvy! ;)
I'm back on the night shift next week...
Min
3:01 PM
Erren said…
Savvy eh? You're a wise ass you know that? =) Thanks all the same...
The gray haired man is no-one you know. Nosey-body =)
5:55 PM
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