And, it doesn't have to break to render it useless. I sat on my debit card (back pocket of jeans) and creased it. I've "folded" it back and try to straighten it as I run it through the reader - but often it results in a card reader error. Just an irritation at home. Would be a bigger problem on vacation.

Cards can also get de-magnetized by other nearby objects. Seems some of us just like the security of back-up cards/ options.

Hope it never happens to bill or others who may travel with just one card.

Anyone use traveller's cheques in Euro currency? That is what I was planning. Just wondered if anyone has had any problems with them - they say they are as good as cash.

Traveler's checks are becoming harder and harder, more expensive to cash. Mostly only banks will take them - and not all banks. Sometimes they charge a premium to cash them as well. After last year we stopped using them. There have been a couple of threads on this in the last couple of weeks that you might want to search.

suze,
of course they dont know before they rob you...
would you rather have them take a little or alot? Your choice!!!!

We tend to make our arragements in advance. We buy Euros on E-Bay and take dollars to exchange. As long as I'm within 3-5 cents of the exchange rate I'm happy. We've also taken American Express travelers checks. They can be exchanged at the branch in Athens for no fee. In all the years I've been visiting Greece there have been no problems with theft,crime, pickpockets, etc.
Just be aware and careful of your money and you'll be fine.

Since I have never been robbed, and don't expect to be, it is a non-issue. I would rather have cash to pay for what I need and take my chances than risk depending solely on an ATM card (or even 2).

To answer your question "Why risk it?"... well because I want to be able to take care of my expenses with the least amount of hassle. For me that involves carrying a few hundred in cash, both US and local currencies. Split up, not all in one place.

<<Anyone use traveller's cheques in Euro currency? ...they say they are as good as cash.>>

Travel_Bug-- Any merchant or business will accept cash, but that is not true of Travelers Checks (whether USD or Euro). You need to plan to go to a bank, an exchange bureau, or possibly your hotel front desk to exchange them for cash.

suze,
We all do what works for us

My friend Julie leaves her purse swung over her shoulder with hundreds in cash in it!! She has never had a problem thank God.

Me.... I wouldn't risk it. I travel on a budget and can't afford to have any of it stolen. So I take the steps that will lessen my chances.

Starrvile wrote:
<<<Hope it never happens to bill or others who may travel with just one card.>>>

Thank you.

But, in addition to an Amex and MasterCard credit cards, I always travel with 2 ATM cards from 2 different large financial institutions and about a couple of hundred Euros in cash. Although I have never had any problem with my Citibank ATM card, I know that there's a branch somewhere in a major city in Europe, plus all it takes is a collect phone call to the bank's number, that is always in my cell phone that I travel with, in order to iron out any issues with withdrawing money. I never bring any duplicate cards because no matter how much I use or abuse my ATM cards, it doesn't break and the only reason it has to be replaced by the FI is when it expires or if I lose it.

JandaO, ok - I was just wondering! Happy travels to you too!

While it's never happened to me, I've heard that ATM cards can get swallowed overseas. Some practical advice:

Make sure that you call your bank to let them know you will be travelling overseas (same for Visa, MC, etc.).

If possible, use ATM's next to banks and during banking hours, so you can seek assistance if you have problems.

grantop,

Unlike credit cards, ATM or checkcards (debit cards) are individually tied to an account. I have a card, and my husband has a card, and both are tied to the same checking account (the number on the card is different). Therefore, if one of us losses a card, or it is swallowed by the ATM machine, and we should have to cancel that card, we still have a working card to the same account. We don't have to have two accounts...we just have to have two cards to the same account to have the protection. And it can and does happen often that cards are not returned by the ATM.

I always carry a debit card and an ATM only card (same account, different card numbers, so if it's necessary to cancel one, the other is still valid). One stays in the room safe.

Note that your card can easily become compromised if carried in your pocket too close to a bunch of pocket change!

Angeliki, you buy Euros on eBay?? How does that work? I mean, I understand eBay, have had good and bad experiences there but I am curious as to how you bought Euros there. Weren't you worried that you would get ripped off?

I was curious, so I just looked on ebay for Euros

Current bidding price (not accepted high bid yet) for 200 Euros is $274, + $5.5 shipping = total price ~$280, or an effective exchange rate of 1.40

200 Euro from ATM last week cost me $255, or 1.275.

That's about a 9% difference, far above the 3-5c angeliki says she gets on ebay.

Often the trick to ebay is watching items closely and jumping at the last min for a good deal. For now, I'll continue to use the ATM, take that 9% and keep it in my pocket.

Don't know the point Bill was trying to make by his critique on having another card in the room. Let it go if he doesn't like it.

But actually he did a service in all the discussion over it which did give out a bit of info despite all the type face it actually created.

Too bad for you, Bigal, when you can't follow a simple query and the ensuing discussion here.

Now we simply don't follow what you just brought up. Oh well...

I have considered carrying a second wallet with a few dollar bills and dummy credit cards, in case someone wants my wallet, when walking on (relatively) unsafe streets. Any thoughts?

Well, when I was in Russia recently my ATM card didn't work there - contrary to what my bank had told me - so I was happy that I had brought a lot of cash. Just wear a money belt under your clothes - and then it's not a problem!