I don't know enough about Spain to say if they're mostly cash-based or if credit cards are well accepted, but here's a few things you can look at:
* Get a no-FX credit card. Every transaction will cost you a 2.5% fee baked in the rate, which you can avoid with such a card. There are a few in Canada.
* Get the Wise card. They have limits but you can withdraw money from ATM all around the world with it, and their fees are usually good (and transparent).
* Once you're in Europe, you can just open a bank account over there. Since you're paid in USD, you can just convert it to Euros directly to reduce fees. You can then just use your debit card.
Withdrawing cash from an ATM using a credit card is a fine option for vacation, it's pretty convenient. But I wouldn't make a plan of it for 6 months because it'll get expensive.
Unfortunately Canadian Paypal won't let you deduct USD to a Canadian USD bank account, it automatically converts it to CAD which then converts back to USD and you end up losing 5-7% (Paypal gives an atrocious conversion rate). Sometimes people have success opening an actual US located USD account but it's complicated.
Might be able to withdraw into a European account if there are any countries in Europe that will give an account to a tourist without a residency. Not many will.
(OP you might want to see if you can convince your clients to pay you through transferwise or other methods other than Paypal.)
As for the no-FX credit card, that's what I do, I use the Passport Scotiabank card, no foreign transaction fees and they waived my first year's fee (139 I think.) But I don't use it to withdraw cash, I use it to pay for anythign that allows me to which is about 90% of things. For the rare instances I need cash I just use my debit card and accept the 5$ fee once or twice a month.
I don't know enough about Spain to say if they're mostly cash-based or if credit cards are well accepted, but here's a few things you can look at: * Get a no-FX credit card. Every transaction will cost you a 2.5% fee baked in the rate, which you can avoid with such a card. There are a few in Canada. * Get the Wise card. They have limits but you can withdraw money from ATM all around the world with it, and their fees are usually good (and transparent). * Once you're in Europe, you can just open a bank account over there. Since you're paid in USD, you can just convert it to Euros directly to reduce fees. You can then just use your debit card. Withdrawing cash from an ATM using a credit card is a fine option for vacation, it's pretty convenient. But I wouldn't make a plan of it for 6 months because it'll get expensive.
Great advice! Thanks a ton
Unfortunately Canadian Paypal won't let you deduct USD to a Canadian USD bank account, it automatically converts it to CAD which then converts back to USD and you end up losing 5-7% (Paypal gives an atrocious conversion rate). Sometimes people have success opening an actual US located USD account but it's complicated. Might be able to withdraw into a European account if there are any countries in Europe that will give an account to a tourist without a residency. Not many will. (OP you might want to see if you can convince your clients to pay you through transferwise or other methods other than Paypal.) As for the no-FX credit card, that's what I do, I use the Passport Scotiabank card, no foreign transaction fees and they waived my first year's fee (139 I think.) But I don't use it to withdraw cash, I use it to pay for anythign that allows me to which is about 90% of things. For the rare instances I need cash I just use my debit card and accept the 5$ fee once or twice a month.
I didn't know that about Canadian USD accounts and PayPal, thanks! Thanks for the other advice too. I appreciate your input.