Is it more economical to purchase items with a bank debit card, travlers check or charge card when traveling in Europe?
2006-12-15 13:12:55 · 7 answers · asked by themole95409 1 in Travel ➔ Europe (Continental) ➔ Other - Europe
I prefer to use my debit card and get cash when I arrive in the country. You will get a small charge for and international debit ($1.25-$2.00) but it's much cheaper than going to an exchange desk where they charge a lot more for the transaction. Plus if your debit card is through a major bank you will get the best exchange rate.
2006-12-15 13:20:26 · answer #1 · answered by i have no idea 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you are coming from the US. I would take both credit and debit card.
Debit cards with a MasterCard or Visa symbol. You need to tell merchants to run this like a credit card and you will need to sign for it because your using a foreign issued card.
If your debit card also has a Maestro or a visa plus symbol it can be used at merchants that take those symbols. You would enter your pin number. Make sure you select chequing or current account at the point of sale terminal.
I heard the best exchange rate coming from using debit card. However, some banks charge higher fees for this. It best to ask your bank that issued the debit card what fees if any will be added to your debit card transaction while your are in Europe. Notify the bank that you will be using the card outside your home county. This way the bank knows to except unusual transactions.
2006-12-17 07:34:22 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Both bank debit and charge card will charge you interest on the transaction the moment you use them. They will also charge you a premium on the exchange rate. Short of robbing a bank, I can't think of anything else other than taking american greenbacks in a film canister stuffed up your ...well ...you get the picture.
2006-12-15 13:19:22 · answer #3 · answered by $Sun King$ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Talk to AAA and your bank about what it costs to buy euro travellers' checks from them. Then you'll have the exchange rate fixed ahead of time. Euro-denominated travellers check are good at nearly any bank in Europe. 12 countries use the euro and the tourists areas of Poland, Czech, Croatia will take euro with no problems.
If you're going to spend much time in UK or Switzerland, then you'll need pounds and Swiss francs. Don't use euro travellers' checks there because it will mean converting the money twice.
2006-12-16 01:32:06 · answer #4 · answered by Steve A 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Definately charge. Also, I never bring my debit card. If your debit card gets lost or stolen you are 100% liable for the charges...however on the charge card there is a maximum of what you're liable for. Use your chage card...get the PIN for it and withdraw cash with it as well. You may get charged a little for a cash advance, but if you pay the balance as soon as you get home it's not bad, especially knowing that you're covered in case it gets stolen or lost.
2006-12-15 13:39:41 · answer #5 · answered by MEW 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
charge because the big card companies get better rates on the currency exchange rates.
2006-12-15 13:16:14 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think the best way is to bring your cash with you and exchange in a change office to the local currency.
2006-12-15 13:14:44 · answer #7 · answered by cordial 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋