Help with credit vs debit vs cash in Austria...
 

Which is easier/safer/more accepted?

We have 2 credit cards (MC & Visa), we have debit & we have cash...could also have Traveller's Cheques.

What are your experiences?

Thanks so much!

DON'T bother with travelers checks or trying to change one currency for another. Costly and inconvenient.

DO use credit cards wherever possible and ATMs to get cash for transactions you can't or don't want to charge.

Use search term "ATM" to see lots of recent discussions on the topic.

Credit cards and cash from ATMs.

My experience is that Austrians use credit cards somewhat less than many other nationalities, so check before you transact business.

NO ONE want trav checks any longer (not hotels, restaurants, shops - not even many banks).

A complete waste of time and money.

Charge as much as you can with credit cards and pull walking around money with your ATM card.

I'm still in shock from Logos's post (who lives in Germany) that using credit cards at restaurants in Germany is considered RUDE. I'm not sure if that extends to Austria or not. I've used credit cards in both and never suspected I was being rude.

Thanks so very much! Traveller's cheques is definitely out then ... it's been a very long time since we've been on a holiday LOL

Be sure to call your bank and your credit card customer service numbers to report when you'll be in Europe. This will prevent some computer from freezing your account for what looks like fradulent use. Also consider raising the daily withdrawal limit on your ATM cards so you will have fewer withdrawals, thereby limiting the service fees you will incur.

We always used our ATM card on our visits. Look for Bank Austria machines, usually everywhere. Definitely no need for travelers checks. We never were given the feeling that we were being rude when paying with a card, although in some of the smaller towns it is a good idea to have cash to pay for meals etc. easily withdrawn from ATM machines.

Never thought of informing my credit union (debit card) or credit card companies of our trip, so thank you VERY much for that very important info!

We will indeed, also carry some cash with us, just in case & for smaller priced items...

Just another question if you would....

We have a limit of $800 withdrawal daily on our debit card at home....would this be the equivalent in Euro's then? I'm going to assume that will be more than enough?

It amazes me that a machine across the world, would be able to connect with our Credit Union & the right account...lol

You can't withdraw 800 euros -- more like 570 at a time which will equal $800.

"It amazes me that a machine across the world, would be able to connect with our Credit Union & the right account. . ."
So true, and in a matter of seconds! It never ceases to amaze me.

imcanadian,

There are two factors affecting how much money you can withdraw from an ATM machine:
1. The limit allowed by your home bank or credit union. ($800 is a generous limit.)
2. The limit allowed by each ATM you'll be using in Europe. (The limit will probably be around €500--or less.)

re Tim's comment - it is true many ATMs will have a per-transaction limit. But re-insert your card or step to the next machine, and you can withdraw more as long as the total doesn't exceed your daily limit.

Also - most daily limits are based on a 24 hour day so if you are declined - make sure your home bank isn't still on the previous day.

And realize that Friday to Monday may be considered one day back home.

Great info indeed!

Here in my city, bank days go from Mon-Sat. But I understand the limit on Euro withdrawal now, thanks so very much!