Ed Bray

Any recommendations on how best to carry money in Europe? I was planning on carrying traveller's checks. I got some suggestions to carry some US currency because you can actually do better price-wise some places by using US dollars. Also, I read that ATM offered some of the best exchange rates. Reactions?

Caryn

The way this heading was phrased I really thought you meant how you are going to carry your money. The answer to that is very clear. In your money belt which will be attached to your body underneath your clothes. This is the only way to do it. You can put your passport, plane ticket home, extra credit cards, ID's, etc. in here. The last thing you want is to get your money stolen. Do not use a "fanny pack." They are notorious for being stolen right off tourists' bodies. Any travel store will sell money belts made for this purpose. I don't recommend the neck pouches because they pull on your neck and will eventually make it hurt. As for currency, ATM card, etc. I believe there is another question on this site further down. I have always used travelers checks. But this trip I don't think so. I'm bringing about $300 travellers' checks, visa, and ATM card. I've heard that ATM is really all you need. For more information, see www.ricksteves.com. This website is a great travel website with tons of info. Surf around and find the section on ATM's.

AllanJ

Just bring your ATM card.<BR><BR>Travel tips:<BR>http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/travel.htm<BR>

gwiz

Allan, I believe you're just topping these old threads in order to advertise that website you show in your post. It will not work.

xxx

I guess some people just won't give up.

George Steed

ATM machines are in many places. Check the expiration date before leaving home. Carry a copy of the card #, exp. date and the special #s on the reverse side. If the card is lost or stolen you can usually get a replacement with express mail. Also note the calling card # and toll free international #.<BR>Do not draw/change money at airports or hotels..shop around. In Poland find a Kantor. Yes, use a money belt. Yes, carry some dollars and some travellers checks. Learn the procedure for use at the USA Embassy for replacing passports and/or getting a travel loan. Shoulder bags are a reasonably safe place to carry valuables. It must be secured to the body and not left lying about. Good luck!

xxx

Forget traveller's checks - they're pretty much a thing of the past. Just bring a credit card or two (like Mastercard or VISA), they work practically everywhere; and change your US dollars when you arrive at a BANK (some airports have bank offices/tellers, like Zurich and Geneva). You'll get the best rates at banks. And then, try to use your credit card as much as possible anyway, that way you don't have to worry about changing money. Don't think any differences in rates will make all that much difference over the course of a vacation...

Old

You all realize that Ed asked this question over four years ago. It was just Allan topping the message for self commercial gain. <BR><BR>Oh, I just topped it for him again. rats. No one else reply.