International Student Identity Card - necessary?
 

I notice that in Europe students may receive discounts at a number of museums and other attractions, as well as transporation, etc. Do you know if the International Student Identity Card is really required in United Kingdom and France, or would the students school ID from the USA work? If I can avoid the extra $50 or so to get the cards, that would be great - these additional little costs add up on a European trip!

Hi Dave, I wouldn't say the ISIC is necessary, but it comes in handy. I've traveled to Europe as a student twice, had it the first time but not the second (couldn't get one b/c I had just graduated). Always ask for student discounts, sometimes they can be substantial. <BR>In '96 I traveled with a friend, she fell and severly sprained her ankle in Paris, and to our surprise she had intntl health insurance with the ISIC. She wasn't charged a dime. <BR> <BR>I didn't have much trouble using my U. of Cincinnati ID in Nov. 99 (may have been refused once or twice). <BR> <BR>So, its really up to you, it was worth the money when I had one, but then again I only paid $20 I think. <BR>

Dave, the international insurance aspect of the ISIC itself makes the card a good investment in my view. However, if you don't get one from my experience in France they will accept any student ID as long as it looks OK. I can remember using my British University ID card in lots of places from the Eiffel Tower to Besancon Castle, and my friend from the University of Michigan had no problems with her ID either.

Dave, I was in Europe all of last summer and visited 6 different countries and just used my USA school ID card and never had a problem. Alot of the time I would just say student price please and they would give it to me without even asking for ID. I would say you really don't need to spend the extra $50. My travel companion bought one and hardly ever had to use it either. Have a great trip. If you have any other questions feel free to email me.

I have gotten an ISIC card on two different occasions. It saved me a few bucks here and there, but for me the real perk was the voicemail system - it's a new feature. Basically they give you a voicemail number so while you are traveling, people can leave messages for you. We just called into the system every few days. I thought it was well worth the $20.