09.25.26 Clark Answers His Critics on Clark Stinks / Price Drop: Athletic Shoes

We're gonna start with Ed in Connecticut.

"Clark, you stink more than the cooler full of food from the picnic I forgot in the back of the trunk."

Ooh.

"You recently suggested someone who has never traveled abroad use their ATM when they arrive overseas to get local cash.

You said she would get a better rate than changing money at home.

Clark, how penny-wise and pound-foolish can you be? Imagine someone who has never traveled feeling brave enough to go to an ATM.

What if they have a problem? Years ago, Italian ATMs did not work for PINs that started with a zero.

You should have recommended she go to AAA or their local bank and get $100 or $200 in foreign currency.

The second they-"

Ooh

... "arrive, they can grab coffee, get a stroller car, et cetera.

After getting settled, they can try the local ATMs, or they can always hoard the cash and spend it the last few days for meals.

How much are you saving exchanging $200 cash at home as opposed to an ATM? Five bucks?"

20.

"What if the [laughs] foreign ATM charge- charges fees for withdrawals? Also, I think you suggested the caller try the UK for a first visit.

Good suggestion.

You should have also suggested Ireland, where they also speak English, yes, with a beautiful accent, and Ireland is much smaller and less overwhelming than London for a first-time traveler."

Thank you.

That is a great suggestion about Ireland.

Although I find that London is a better destination than Dublin for a first-time traveler.

But yes, that is a good suggestion.

On the ATM thing, that being intimidating, I ha- I've never really thought about that.

Uh, the difference, you figure you get foreign currency in the United States, you're gonna pay about 10% of the money you get in junk fees.

So the 200 would waste about 20 bucks, uh, versus doing it overseas.

And I appreciate what you're saying about simplifying things for a first-time traveler.