Euros
 

I have read some really good suggestions and advise concerning ATM & CC use. Would it be wise to get a prepaid credit card i.e. master card or amex?

Thanks

I wouldn't advise that. As far as I know they all charge high fees for "activation", "monthly charges", etc.
Just use your debit card to get cash from ATMs, preferably from a bank that charges little to zero fee. Check if your bank has an agreement for zero ATM fees with another bank in Europe.
And use one of your CCs that charge the least for exchange rate.

Most of the prepaid credit cards have very high unrealistic fees. I don't particularly like debit cards and certainly would open up a separate checking account for travel...wouldn't want to chance the main checking account be compromised by a stolen debit card number.

NO, it wouldn't be wise at all, unless you're fond of throwing money away. If you've read all the advice here about CCs and ATM debit cards, that's all you need to know.

Follow the advise of the above...BBVA seems to charge the least transaction fee as in NONE!!! Your bank may or may not. To save the fees take out as much as you can per withdrawal and this will be predicated on the amount your bank allows per day. Be sure to contact banks and CC people as to your travel dates and keep a copy of the #'s and phone #'s in case of loss.

Hi M,

>Would it be wise to get a prepaid credit card i.e. master card or amex?
<

Only if you can't get an ATM card or a credit card.

They charge you to put money in
They charge you to take money out
They charge you just to have the card, even if you don't use it.

((I))

I agree with the above posters. Don't get a pre-paid.

I use my Wells Fargo debit card for cash when I am in Europe. WF charges me $5.00 per withdrawal, so I do the maximum withdrawal, which in my case is $440. Thus, if I want $880 cash, I pay $10. Considering how much I'll be paying for a trip, this is a drop in the bucket.

I charge most expenses on my Mileage Plus Visa, which costs 3% per transaction. I know there are cards (from credit unions or from Capital One) that charge less or nothing at all, but I've paid for 3 trips to Spain and 2 trips to Ireland with my ff miles, so it's worth it to me.