Hi guys. I'm going to Europe next year and I'm wondering if anyone who has already went recently, had any ideas on how to carry money. I was looking up traveler's checks, Euro credit cards and then just plain cash but it appears everyone has pros and cons to each. I just wanted someone's opinion from personal experience what is best and the cheapest way to avoid all those interest/conversion rates?
2007-11-09 09:41:47 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Travel ➔ Europe (Continental) ➔ Other - Europe
Bring a bank card to use in the ATM.
Check with your bank what each use will cost you, should not be much.
And check that the card is OK for use abroad.
You will find ATMs in every town and most smaller places. In the towns they seem to be on every street corner.
If you bring cash you will loose on the exchange as well as on the costs the exchange offices will charge you. Those that claim not to charge a fee will give you a lousy rate.
Credit cards are good for paying higher bills, say $25 and up, as that is what the norm is in Europe.
Do not use your credit card in an ATM unless there is an emergency as they charge you mostly a high fee for ATM use, but check with your card company what your use will cost you.
The exchange rate is about the same as you bank card.
Traveler cheques are something from the past, outdated and, on top or that, expensive as you have to buy them, paying for the privilege and sometimes you will have to pay again to get your money, and you still loose on the exchange rate.
And there are not many places that do accept them anymore.
With ATMs you normally get the best exchange rate. The one the banks use between themselves.
2007-11-09 10:17:48 · answer #1 · answered by Willeke 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Very very easy.
You can withdraw money with your bank card directly from the ATM at any bank over there.
And the banks only charge a relatively small fee - much less than you'd pay for traveler's checks or any of that stuff.
I'd bring my bank card, a valid Visa, Mastercard or Amex card and about 200 Euros in cash.
I like to take my Amex for traveling, but not all places in Europe accept it as readily as they will a Visa card.
I wouldn't worry about Traveler's checks or any of that stuff.
I come from Germany and have brought plenty of friends from the States to visit over there.
Withdrawing money worked everywhere we went, including Amsterdam, Paris and anywhere in Germany.
Have a fun trip!
2007-11-09 09:58:37 · answer #2 · answered by xajide 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Hi
We have travelled many places and what worked best for us was traveller cheques. We photo copied all cheques and left it at home...just in case. When we arrive at our destination we shop for good rates. We also had euro's for the first couple days to get by. My husband wears a belt that hold money in behind a zipper...the best ever! You can purchase them at any travel store.
2007-11-09 15:54:50 · answer #3 · answered by Kutzie 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i went to germany and italy a while back and let me tell you. dont use travelers checks. they have no idea what to do with those. every where i tried to use one they wouldnt take it. i just carried cash. and theres not really a way to avoid conversion rates that i know of.
2007-11-09 09:49:35 · answer #4 · answered by ? 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'd carry both credit cards and euro. Make sure you have the credit card company's info in case you lose one or it gets stolen. I took both and had a blast. Have fun!
2007-11-09 09:49:45 · answer #5 · answered by raeoflight25 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋