Apartments are a whole other thing - many require cash and that is something you would obviouly need to find out in advance.

As for hotels - I would imagine you could check tha tout wne you resrve - if your fear yours won't take a cc.

Thanks so much for the advice guys,
I'll plan on carrying my regular debit card and credit card(not a Capital One) and hope that I'll be able to take out enough $$ to cover my hotels that don't accept cc. I'll report back!

There was an article in the NY Times recently about some credit card machines in Italy not accepting US credit cards because they don't have the chip. American Express Blue Sky has a no annual fee card that has the chip in it. I got one just in case we get stuck and our other cards don't work. The AE operator said they've been swamped with requests since the article was published.

Capital One credit cards do not charge international transaction fees. My Citibank Mastercard charges 3% fee which can add up. Check with your credit card company about fees. Most debit cards will charge a fee also but call to be sure.

Check on your "regular debit card" because if it's from a major bank, it likely charges you $X per transaction and a fee of X%. Like my chase card that charges $3 per transaction and $3.5% for exchanging money - thus the first $100 withdrawn costs $6.50 in fees. You can set up a cap one account online very quickly and obtain their debit only card for use on your trip, which also does not charge FOREX fees.

NEVER NEVER NEVER withdraw money on a credit card. You will be charged 17-24% interest from the moment the transaction is completed with NO GRACE PERIOD.