<p>DD will be doing a 2 month study abroad in Germany, France, England that will involve moving around every couple days. I know we will be getting some packing info from school, but with Christmas coming, are there any essentials we can pick up as gifts now? If your DS or DD has done this, how did you handle them money issue (not how to pay for it but spending cash)?</p>
<p>A set of converters is a must. It's good to have more than one since most students will have a cell phone, iPod, laptop, etc. that all need to be charged regularly.</p>
<p>google "ATMS in Europe.." There are some good recent updates to how to exchange money and use your debit cards to your advantage. It is also quite true that some banks charge less for exchange rates than others. Get her debit card tied to the bank that makes the most sense re charges.<br>
Son also got a very good medium weight carrier backpack...although not big enough to stay out more than 3-4 days. Also he got a backpack cover for rain, and a backpack zip shut carryon "sac" to put his pac in on the airplanes, buses etc...so it won't get caught and torn by other baggage. Backpacks will be thrown in overheads and under storage on planes and buses..too big for cabin overhead storage...It has a handle but is basically a way to keep your pack safer in transit. Some backpacks are also dual rolling bags..but they are less versatile and comfortable..but good enough to drag from a train station on rollers to a hostel...and to hoist on your back in a crowd. Get an expert to fit your daughter in her pack..don't buy over the internet until you are certain about fit. Shoes should also be a big shopping adventure of planning ahead...probably want to research cell phone. Son got his overseas and texts his friends constantly over there so they can meet up...good saftey factor.<br>
Rick</a> Steves' Europe: Smart Money Changing</p>
<p>My kids used the AAA Travel Money card instead of cards that could be linked to a personal bank account, and it worked out very well.</p>