The break - even point for converting
currency with the Norbert Gambit and then purchasing shares yourself is $ 2,000 (
assuming 1.5 percent
currency conversion charge, 2 trading commissions for the Norbert Gambit and 1 trading commission for the buy order).
Assuming you have one of the many, many travel rewards credit cards that do not
charge you a
currency conversion fee, and you should have at least one, there is no reason you would ever want to pay in anything other than the local
currency.