Monalisa

I have only taken day trips within a country by train before. Now I will be travelling between Prague and Budapest and am wondering which currencies they accept for onboard purchases such as food. Should I keep some Czech Crowns, buy Euros, or do they take credit cards? I know this question is dumb, but a girl's got to eat!

Thanks!

francophile03

Euro would be best I guess.

nytraveler

Typically if a train is traveling between 2 countries the currency of either country is accepted for meals on board. Since neither Czech Republic or Hungary ue euros - they may be accepted - but the rate of exchange would be horrendous.

Robespierre

In my experience, the exchange rate pales in comparison to the cost of food on trains. And the quality of the said food is typically in the 3-4 range.

Why don't you finesse the issue altogether by loading up on sandwiches and drinks before you leave Prague?

Dukey

Some train (restaurant) dining cars do accept credit cards. Between these two countries either Florints or Crowns would probably be accepted.

ira

I agree with Robe

Christina

I would keep some Czech crowns, but I don't ever advise traveling in a country without any of the local currency. I never get rid of it all until I am across the borders. People can't predict to the penny how to spend their local currency, so you will have some as you say, so what is your alternative -- to get rid of it at an exchange bureau at the train station, which will give you a bad exchange? Why wouldn't you just keep a small amount for those purchases? If you want to get rid of it, I'm sure you can exchange it in Hungary for probably about the same as the train station in CR.

I have been on Czech trains recently, but no one tried to buy anything except with koruna, so sorry, I can't say for sure.

suze

Don't know the answer to the question but I always take my own food on trains. Just buy a couple sandwiches from a bakery, and a bottle of wine and bottle of water.

nytraveler

We actually had lunch on the train between Berlin and Prague and not only was it quite good (well - it;s hard to do much to a salad and omelet) but with a glass of wine and water we only paid about $8 each.

Monalisa

Thanks for all the responses. I'm going to plan on keeping some crowns and see what happens. I thought of bringing my own food, but the train leaves at 7:30AM. Between checking out of the hotel and getting to the station early enough I'm afraid there won't be enough time. Plus, I'd have to find a bakery along the way. (probably not a big problem)

suze

I am not familiar with those locations but I have often found great food available right within train stations, either bakeries, sandwich stands, or even small stores.