Best form of money to use while travelling?

Question

I will be travelling across western Europe for about a month and a half with two of my buddies soon (in may). I am 18. What would be the best way to carry my money? Should I use a debit card, credit card, cash? I am afraid to carry cash around all the time, because losing it early would mean practical death. If I should use a certain method, what do I need to do for that? For example, if the best choice is debit card, how do I set one of those up?

Exactly hwo do Travelers Checks work? I write in the amoutn and give it to any bank?

Answer 1

Recognized credit card like Visa, or American Express is best, Debit cards aren't accepted widely

You need one for renting cars anyway, and all Hotels take them, and you can get money with them

Take enough cash for little stuff until you are where you are going then get cash advance from credit card.

Before I go, I send Visa $4,000 to put on my credit card, then Cash advances don't pay interest to the credit card, because the money is already there.

Answer 2

Traveler's checks are always a good method to use. You can "buy" them at your bank for any denomination, then, when you want to use them, they are used like a check, you sign them then hand them over. Anything that is left after your purchase, you'll get back as change (for example, the check is worth $20, you spend is $15, you'll get $5 cash back). A good thing about traveler's checks is that if you lose them, you are secured and can get them replaced (ask your bank about that).
Also, it wouldn't hurt to carry some cash and a debit/credit card. If you have a checking account at your bank, you can get a debit card that can be used as both a debit (where you enter your pin number at the registers) and a credit card. With the dual use, you'll see your money deducted out of your bank account almost immediately. Either way you choose, talk to someone at your bank for more advice. They can help you choose the best method for you. Good luck and enjoy your vacation!!

Answer 3

You'll probably want a small amount of cash, euros, likely, and travelers cheques. Both Spain and France took my travelers cheques, and they likely still do. Those require an ID to cash them, so they cannot be used if stolen.

I would also take a credit card, visa or a mastercard. Debit cards cost you money to withdrawal, and you may not find an atm that will take your debit card.

Also, make two copies of your passport, keeping one at home and the other with you, in case that gets stolen.

Have a great trip!

Answer 4

A credit card would be the best with a back up of American Express Travelers Cheques. The credit card would be best because you get a favorable rate of exchange without having to worry about "shopping around" for it. I would start out by going to your bank (or your parents bank) to obtain the credit card. If you can get a "secured" one where it is loaded with a certain amount of money that would be good for helping to keep you from spending too much money by keeping restrictions on yourself. It would also allow someone back here at home to "reload" it for you if needed. The Travelers Cheques would be good as a backup incase you loose your credit card. Also, in an emergency you can contact American Express and they will help you out with local offices throughout Europe. You can get the Travelers Cheques at your bank as well.

Answer 5

I know that in the states, it's always wise to use Traveler's Cheques. They're like cash but only you can use them. I have no idea whether this works in Europe though. If you're an AAA member (auto club), if you call or visit one of their offices I'm sure a representative can help you. They also offer maps, guides and extra things to help out with trips for their members, it's a great investment. Otherwise I would look into obtaining a debit/check card of some sort with an 800 customer number you can call in case it's lost or stolen, so you can replace it without losing the money. Good luck on your trip!

Answer 6

The best form of cash for travel is always travelers cheques.... only you can cash them and if lost you report they to your bank and they cancel them and give you a fresh set.. you should also have a small amount of cash maybe 200.00 for quick buys and in cases where folks don't take travelers cheques or so having a credit/debit card is also good in that hotels accept these, but they can be easily stolen or lost so unless you are very responsible teen then maybe no....

Answer 7

Try to use a credit card if you can. To set up a debit card you need a bank account linked to the debit card. When using a debit card the money goes out of your bank account immediately and you can not dispute a charge (be real careful) With a credit card you get a 25 day float and you can dispute a charge.

Answer 8

Debit Card or Travelers Cheques are probably the best choice. A visit to your bank will take care of your concerns. A small sum of cash is a good idea, but either of the above choices and a visit to local bank (in the city you are visiting) will accomplish that.

Answer 9

Have one credit card and one ATM/debit card. You get the best exchange rate for your money when you use plastic. The ATM card can help you get euros when you need them. I agree with your fear of cash...buy a travel belt so you can hide your cash and passport from pickpockets. They will be in the major cities when it starts to warm up.
I would start up a checking account at a local bank and they should set you up with a debit card/ATM card there.

Answer 10

the best way is bank card with a credit card logo. it is essentially a debit card, but it will be accepted anywhere that said credit cards are accepted. look for one with either Visa or Mastercard. They'll do the exchange rates for you and you don't have to change currency when going to a new country. If you don't have one already, major banks will give you one if you have an account with them.