Before you go call each of your credit cards and ATM cards and notify them of the dates you will be gone and the countires you are going to. At the same time ask them the fees they charge for using the card in a foreign country. You will be amazed at the differences in fees from card to card. In my case I found that my Capital One cc and my Compass Bank ATM had the lowest fees. I carry another cc and ATM card as backups.

ATM's are everywhere so there is no need to change money before you go. Do not change any money on the street.

We just got back from a trip that included the countries you are going to. We found prices in the cites to be very comperable to traveling in the US. Prices are lower outside the big cities. Hve a wonderful time!

Barb, can I contact you via email, i'd like to discuss your trip if you don't mind?

Where exactly did you travel?

Jason, I think you miss the point of this forum in seeking private trip reports. The idea is that we all share, and that we all can benefit from the experiences of others.

[There are some matters that might be more appropriate for private discussion, of course.]

>>>>>
The one currency that is rarely mentioned is the US dollar!

It has plunged from prince to pauper. I don't think anyone considers it to be a "hard currency" these days.
>>>>>

i would think that this is obvious but the reason that the dollar is less mentioned than the euro is because the euro is the dominant currency of the eu. it has nothing to do with it being weak or strong.

thank you Padraig, i undestand. Barb, where exactly did you go and what were the highlights?

i meant to write understand, for all you english majors out there!

What should I expect to pay, in US dollars for an average hostel, apartment, and hotel in Prague, Budapest, Krakow, and Warsaw?

Barb, are you still there? Where exactly did you travel?

I did a call around with my cc companies last Fall and CapitalOne with no fee was clearly the best card to use in Europe.

Should I have any problem using a credit card in Warsaw, Krakow, Budapest, and Prague? I realize I won't be able to use a credit card everywhere, but does anyone have any light to shed?

ttt

worldview -- We visited Prague, Vienna and Budapest in 2003. I have a long file. If you would like to have it e-mail me. I'm sure things have changed to some extent since then, but you might find it helpful in making some of your plans. I did all our planning, reservations, etc.

Visited Prague,other Czech cities and Krakow last fall (07) using Capital One credit card (no international fee) and ATM card with Plus and Interlink coverages with no trouble at all. The various currency has been discussed, and local currency is easy to get from ATMs which are very plentiful in major tourist areas in Prague and Krakow. The smaller Czech cities had fewer ATMS, but with planning ahead it was easy to get currency for those day trips ahead of time so used either credit card or cash. Prices in Prague and Krakow are lower than other major European cities, but still MUCH higher than when the dollar was strong and before the euro. Be sure to notify ATM bank and credit card companies of your travel dates and destinations so transactions are not denied for fraud protection. Also had ATM with Cirrus and Pulse coverage for back up, but it has only been needed in South America. Do review other posts here for safety and theft issues in Budapest and Prague. Several people we know had pockets picked in Prague and Budapest so be alert and cautious with moeny and credit cards. The cities are beautiful and fascinating so enjoy your trip!