<p>Is it best to get euros overseas by using a debit card or credit card? What is the better option for purchases? With a moderate amount of traveling on weekends, how much should be budgeted for expenses for 4 weeks?</p>
<p>Never having travelled overseas, I can’t answer all of your questions. I do know that credit cards have way more legal protections than a debit card right now. I have heard that debit cards may be getting more protections once some committee is formed this summer, though that will likely be too late for your travel. I would suggest using a credit card for most transactions unless the fees are way high.</p>
<p>It’s best to use an ATM card to get cash from ATM machines over there (there are lots of them - try to use the ones at banks rather than freestanding ones), and a cc for non-cash purchases. </p>
<p>No one can predict the expenses witout knowing the details of exactly where the person will travel, where they’d stay, and what they’d do but - Europe’s generally expensive.</p>
<p>I used a debit card, getting cash as I needed it along the way. I also got a CapitalOne card for the trip, since they do not add fees (or the did not in the past) for charging using foreign currency. The one day I had trouble with my debit card, I got a cash advance from my CapitalOne card.</p>
<p>We used an ATM machine in a foreign country once…just once was enough to have thieves empty our checking account. Apparently it is very easy now for thieves to rig the ATM machines to get your account number. Never again. I will always use another method, not an ATM machine. Even old fashioned traveler’s checks are safer than using an ATM machine!</p>
<p>Go into your local AAA office or bank for suggestions…</p>
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Where exactly are you going? Some countries (or areas within a country!) are crazy expensive and some are dirt cheap compared to the US.</p>
<p>Credit cards are not universally accepted in Europe, especially outside of the tourist hot spots. For example, in Germany the cheaper grocery stores, smaller restaurants and local public transportation usually do not accept credit cards.</p>
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This is why I said to use one at a bank rather than a freestanding one. Was the one you used at a bank? What country was it in?</p>
<p>The same scam operates in the USA. There are millions of Europeans using their ATM machines without an issue. As long as one takes care they’re likely no worse off using one in Europe than in the US.</p>
<p>I haven’t seen anyone use travelers checks in years.</p>
<p>Son is traveling abroad for a 4 week summer session in Italy. He would definitely be moving around in Italy at the least on weekends, and possibly nearby countries, but I would think he wouldn’t have too much time to go too far. I’ve heard that it can cost $3-$500 weekend with tickets,meals and lodging. He doesn’t care if he stays in youth hostels.
His school says Travel Checks are difficult to cash and have high fees.</p>
<p>Hi, scoopie, your son will love Italy and have a blast! </p>
<p>The most economical way to do it is to use an ATM to pull Euros and take a credit card (Visa or MC are more widely used than AMEX) for back up. This is because every transaction, ATM or credit card, bears an international transaction fee (the percentage is set by the card issuer, usually 2-4%). So obviously, if you’re using a credit card every time, you are adding fees vs. if you take the fee hit a couple of times on larger withdrawals from an ATM, you don’t incur the per-transaction fee hit.</p>
<p>Talk to your bank re: daily ATM withdrawal limit so he knows he can’t get more than X at a time (and he doesn’t want to get too much because then he has the stress of keeping that cash safe!). Also advise the bank and the credit card company the card will be used in Italy during that time period so he isn’t stymied by any security alert blocking the transaction.</p>
<p>Re: ATM, they are usually called Bancomats in Italy, and it’s not hard to find one. I would suggest using ATM machines in conventional, high-trafficked locations like the airport, banks and on major streets whenever possible–machines in off beat locations are the ones more susceptible to being tampered with by thieves. ATM machines abroad work pretty much like home. There may be an early point in the process where he needs to select his issuer’s network, e.g., Cirrus, Plus, etc. Be sure your son knows his numeric PIN if you has memorized it with letters, as he may encounter keypads without letters! I also have a fuzzy memory of some machines taking only four numbers…if he has a six-digit PIN, double check with the bank about that, I am pretty sure he will just input the first four numbers. Bottom line, assure him to not be deterred by procedural differences and to also not run totally out of cash before getting a fresh infusion, as sometimes, the only ATM around will be the one that doesn’t work for whatever reason (could just be out of money or down for maintenance as happens back home).</p>
<p>You may also want to set up a cash advance on the credit card in case of emergency. All of the ATM machines will feature cash back on credit cards, but you must arrange for that in advance.</p>
<p>Be sure he gets something to safely carry his money–a money belt, the “necklace” style pouch that lays on the chest under your shirt or the waist strap version with pouch that drops in your pants. Dorky, but better than being that tourist that gets pickpocketed! He will keep a small amount of cash in his pocket or wallet so that he doesn’t go into the hidden pouch in public (and also to minimize loss if he is pickpocketed). He should also figure out a secure way to keep some cash, passport, etc. separate from his person–he is unlikely to stay in places that offer in-room safes! Using a suitcase, duffle or backpack lock is a good strategy. Note, he may be required to turn over his passport to the hotel/hostel–standard procedure, don’t freak. Good idea to scan and store online (attachment to web-based email or Google docs/similar) copies of passport, front/back ATM and credit cards, emergency phone numbers, insurance info, etc. in case his important stuff is lost–then he can access it anywhere via Internet. </p>
<p>Not as daunting as it sounds–he will be a pro at all of this in a few days!</p>
<p>The other two things are getting his phone situation worked out and the electrical conversion situation.</p>
<p>I was recently in Italy. Here’s my advice.</p>
<p>Pull out cash from an ATM and use that mostly. The credit cards in Europe are the chip-and-pin type, and US cards don’t have the chip. They will still take your credit card, it’s just more hassle, plus you’re charged an international transaction fee from your company. Just go with cash.</p>
<p>For phone: you can get a cheap pay as you go phone and plan from a local dealer. That’d be my suggestion. Adding international calls on your existing plan is just a big hassle, plus there’s the issue of your phone possibly not even working overseas.</p>
<p>Electrical conversion: most electronics these days will handle both 120 and 240V. Check the little sticker near the plug and see what it says. If all your electronics can handle 240 volts, then all you need to get are adapter plugs. If not, then you need a transformer. Most cheap travel transformers are rated for 50 watts, but I got a slightly better one rated for 200 watts. If you see the ones rated for 1000 watts, those are for solid-state devices only, like hairdryers. They will only support around 50 watts of electronic devices. Remember, for transformers lighter does not mean better. It means worse actually. All transformers are a couple metal plates and some copper wire. The thicker and heavier the metal and the wire, the more power it can handle.</p>
<p>As for the plugs themselves, Italy uses the standard two circular prong plugs that most of Europe has. However, in some old places the holes for the prongs are a bit smaller, meaning that your adapter may just barely not fit. This is usually not a problem in touristy places, but you may want to check just to be sure.</p>
<p>Let me know if you’ve got any more specific questions and I’ll do my best to answer them.</p>
<p>Ditto on using the ATM for obtaining cash. Hardly anyone uses travelers checks anymore and it’s a major hassle to do so (+ there can be fees to obtain them and fees to convert to cash). </p>
<p>Make sure to have a credit card for emergencies. I’ve never had any problem using credit cards in Europe except the vendor may want for you to enter a pin number (not available on US cards). Call your credit card company before leaving for Italy to let them know you are traveling overseas. Otherwise, the fraud computer program they use may freeze your account just when you need it the most.</p>
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<p>D spent about two months in Italy last fall and then she and I went for two weeks this January and this is the method we used. It was an account that only had about $600 in it, but was tied to our other accounts so more money could be transferred in via computer or by my H in the states. We were only in large cities- Rome and Florence. Many places did not take the travel cards (now promoted instead of traveller’s checks). Some places take the debit cards, but not as many of the smaller, cheaper places. </p>
<p>Italy is more expensive than many US cities. My rule of thumb was even though a euro was worth more than a dollar, things cost the same amount as if it was in dollars plus about 20%. For example, picking up a sandwich in one of the delis might cost 6-8 euros in a tourist area- which is more expensive than Albany NY, but about what you might pay in NYC. Unless you go into one of the small eateries that are mostly take out, it will be at least 15-20 euros for sit down meal.</p>
<p>I agree that it’s best to use ATM cards for getting cash. We also discovered that ATM machines have their own transaction limits, so even if your card allows you to get more cash, the ATM machine might not! Then you’ll have to do another transaction, with additional transaction fees.</p>
<p>As a previous poster mentioned, get a Capital One credit card–they are the only ones who still don’t charge a foreign conversion fee. (But don’t use it for getting cash from a machine–that counts as a cash advance and you are charged interest immediately!)</p>
<p>Also, credit card companies WILL give you a 4-digit pin to use in Europe. You have to ask them for it and insist on it. But do it well ahead of time; one of our companies said they had to mail it to us and that it would take some time.</p>
<p>I agree that you need to notify all credit card and debit card companies of your travel dates and all of the countries you think you’ll use your card in, including airports you transit through.</p>
<p>Have fun!</p>
<p>D is in Vienna now. Using an ATM for euros works great. But it costs her about $10 for each withdrawal (ATMs in her area are not partners with our US bank). So withdraw a hefty amount each time, not $50.</p>
<p>Thank you so much for all the info, VERY helpful!</p>
<p>When each of my girls travelled abroad they went with a supply of euros (about $200). With my older daughter we had an account with HSBC and at least in midtown Manhattan I was able to get euros without any service charge. I did use AAA for euros when younger d went abroad and paid a service charge but it was minimal. Both used ATM’s as we have done whenever we travelled and it was not a hassle.</p>
<p>My s will be traveling within Italy, would it be best to get him a Eurail pass for one country with the amount of days traveling? Does it need to be “validated” before using? How? What is the difference if you get an “Interrail Pass” which is less expensive?</p>
<p>I’m in Europe frequently for business, so here’s my advice & comments:</p>
<ul>
<li>most restaurants, hotels and tourist stores will take credit cards. (Mastercard is the favorite; Visa #2; forget AmEx)</li>
<li>grocery stores and local stores often do not take US credit cards or debit cards, as someone noted we don’t have the chip & pin cards (they have a higher levels of security, so less fraud for the banks)</li>
<li>shop around for a US credit card that has the lowest fees. (my Citibank MC is not great at 3-4%, however I don’t use it very much, as most of my charges are business related & I have a corporate card). </li>
<li> ATMs give you a good rate, but your bank will charge a fee. (it’s $5 from Bank America). Again, shop around for a bank with a low fee.<br></li>
<li>I saw an offer in Dulles a few weeks ago that Thomas Cook was offering a pre-paid debit card with chip-n-pin that would work in Europe. I googled it now and found the following, which might be worth considering:</li>
</ul>
<p>[Cash</a> Passport, the convenient, secure way to carry and access foreign currency overseas. | Thomas Cook Cash Passport Fees & Limits](<a href=“Cash Passport | Travel Money Card | Global Cash Passport | Mastercard”>Cash Passport | Travel Money Card | Global Cash Passport | Mastercard)</p>
<p>scoopie: I’m almost sure that interrail pass are only for European residents. Their website should provide this information. You need to validate the euro pass before you board for your first trip. You can go to any ticket window at the train station and have it validated for free. The instructions are written on the pass.
On a recent trip from Amsterdam to Paris a couple next to me haven’t validated their pass and were fined 50 euros each plus 100 euro for not having their info written on the pass.
I always use Deutsche Bank in Italy, they are every where near main attractions, shopping areas and train station. Visa charges 1% for foreign currency and your bank may charge another 2% to 4%. I have Bank of America it charges 2% plus the 1% visa fee, and $5 for using another bank. I never had any problems using credit card even in smaller towns in Italy. Many smaller, non chain hotels will give you 10% discount if you pay in cash.</p>