Great info. I'll be bookmarking this for sure.
Another way to do this is through coinbase which can be linked to PayPal.

So the process would be steem>BTC>Coinbase>PayPal

PayPal has a debit card and when traveling I've consistently gotten better exchange rates than the local banks. And 1% cash back bonus on all debit card purchases.

I understand your elation when making a purchase with crypto. I had the same "this is for real" moment the first time I had a box of Cuban cigars arrive at my doorstep from a BTC purchase.

Upvoted and followed!