Hi, D is studying abroad for 10 days in Paris when this semester ends. Does anyone have any recommendations for spending money? I plan on buying some euros for her but is it recommended for her to just use her atm/debit or get a prepaid card from AAA? What about good ole’ travelers checks?
No to Traveler’s Checks. They’re simply not used anymore. ATM is the way to go. Prepare her for very high prices. How Parisians can afford to crowd their restaurants night after night, and dress they way they do, is a mystery to me!
Although ATM/debit card is the way to go, tell your D to be really careful when getting cash/entering PIN. My D just had her checking account drained. According to bank fraud dept., fairly common in Europe. (D is in Italy, but money was withdrawn in Spain). She did get $ back, but it took about a week. How much spending money will your D need for 10 days? She could probably take what she needs with her if she already has room/meals covered through her program. If she takes a debit card, best to make sure there is only a little bit of money in the account. Protect PIN/check account frequently for unknown debits.
Agree with the above. Make sure to tell the bank that she will be going to Paris so their are no issues withdrawing money. Also many (most?) Parisian ATM’s are set up for 4 digit numerical PIN input only, so your daughter should be as well, if not already. You may also run into issues in some places if the debit card is not chip-enabled.
Always hide your code and put your hand above the one typing the pin. Withdraw $200 at once, not small amounts, then pay cash. The debit card needs to have a 4-number pin and a chip.
@katliamom: the Parisians you see are the wealthy… considering the cost of living in the city, most middle class and even upper middle class people live 1 to 2 hours away in the suburbs and exurbs (some may leave in the upper 18th/20th, or toward Bobigny, where it’s cheaper but less safe). It’s kind of like when you’re in Manhattan and only see 5th avenue; not all New Yorkers shop at Saks and live in doorman-buildings…
Of course, in Paris, you also have the tourists - people who may have saved for one or two years to go on a holiday to their capital, or tourists from other countries!
I agree with being careful with the debit card. My older daughter’s was hacked when she was visiting my younger daughter in Vietnam two years ago. I closed the account, which meant D1 needed another way to get money. Being an overprotective sort, I had sent her with two credit cards, one of which she was able to get cash advances with.
Using ATMs at actual banks as opposed to ones found in markets, stores, etc. will help reduce the risk of credit card/ debit card fraud, although not fool proof.
We were told that our D should have euros (cash), a debit card, and as a back up, a credit card without a high exchange fee. IOW, have a plan, a backup plan and a backup to the backup plan.
My D used an ATM card and we gave her a credit card as well (in her name, guess who got the bill). We also got her some euros before she left.
My D was in Europe for a summer and we got her a disposable European phone and she got a SIM card when she got to her destination. Probably don’t need to do that for 10 days though. Just be sure her phone will work wherever she is headed just in case of emergency.