Money Matters

Check out Rick Steeves tips on money and traveling in Europe.

  • ATM’s are ubiquitous in Europe. It does not make much sense to bring cash (or travelers cheques with you) except for perhaps an emergency back-up stash of $US or Euros.
  • It makes sense to bring a credit card (or 2) but most of the time you will likely pay with cash (so make sure you have a bank card).
  • Be wary that your bank and credit card companies will likely charge fees for overseas use. Withdraw larger amounts less frequently
  • Be sure to bring a money belt for cash and other valuables (passport etc.)
  • Make sure someone at home you trust has access to funds that they can transfer to you in an emergency.
  • Be sure to record all card numbers and appropriate credit card phone numbers (in case of loss or theft). Memorize all appropriate PIN numbers for your ATM, credit, and debit cards. [Notes: (i) PIN numbers must be four (4) digits; (ii) ATMs are occasionally difficult to find e.g., rural areas.]
  • Minimize currency exchange. be mindful about how much cash you take out in one country so that you don’t have excess (especially coins) that you have to convert. You almost always will get a bad exchange rate.