I heard that Credit cards have now caught on and there is a 3% charge for things you buy on them. I always used credit cards before now i don't know what else to use. I don't want to do travelers checks. FYI I'm going to Europe Amsterdam, Paris and Barcelona.
2007-09-06 16:30:02 · 3 answers · asked by Lipiew 1 in Travel ➔ Europe (Continental) ➔ Other - Europe
Take a debit or bank card that can be used in ATMs, check with your bank how much they charge for its use. (And to make sure it is ready for use abroad.)
The charges should be small and the rates are better than you get at an change office or when you change at your bank.
Some change offices offer a 'no fee' service, you should only use it for small amounts as the rates are poor.
You can also use your credit card in an ATM but often you pay a high fee, like 5% with a minimum.
When you buy in shops, the owner of the shop is not allowed to add to the bill when you pay by credit card, but some still claim a charge, and you have to check with your credit card company to see how much they charge you for each use.
I have two cards, one charges a small, fixed fee for each use, the other nothing (but is the more expensive card in yearly charges.)
And some cards start claiming interest earlier than others, might be a consideration too. Sometimes you can pay into the card before traveling, avoiding some of the charges.
All three counties use Euro, so what money you get at the first will be useful at the others too.
2007-09-06 18:59:12 · answer #1 · answered by Willeke 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Credit cards are still your best bet, although some shops add a small percentage to your total bill, around 2%-5%. If you're comfortable with the idea of bringing cash, make sure that you have Euros on hand prior to getting to Europe. There are some shops that accept US Dollars but that would just be a handful. Travelers checks are a nuisance, although they are the safest.
2007-09-06 23:40:44 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Credit cards have always charged 3% of the transaction even in N. America, its built into the price and paid for by the merchant. American Express charges even more, thats why lots of merchants are hesitant to take it.
2007-09-07 01:02:16 · answer #3 · answered by cimra 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋