Novice needs advice!
 

Hi, Leaving for Europe in 2 weeks. Starting in Amsterdam and progressing into mainly Eastern Europe, covering areas such as Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Germany and Northern Italy. As it is my first time travelling I would appreciate any suggestions on the best method of taking money and accessing money. At the moment I was thinking of taking mainly sterling travellers cheques, some U.S. dollars, and a small amount of currency for the main countries I plan to visit. I also have a debit card to access my account. Looking for any advice to do with money or even just suggections of places not to miss seeing while on my trip. <BR> <BR>Thanks in advance <BR>susan

Hi Susan, <BR>Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are nearly universal througout Europe. Using ATMs is now the preferred choice of most travelers, since the exchange rate is usually the best available (owing to the volume of transactions) and one can obtain cash at all hours. Most people also take come cash, especially for the initial country visited, to cover expenses in early-morning-ATM-out-of-order circumstances, but otherwise the availability of ATMs is so wide that travel cheques or bundles of foreign currency, are becoming rather obsolete. <BR> <BR>If you're coming from the US and still want to take traveler's cheques (may be advisable in small-town E. Europe) I'd recommend US dollar denomination, not Sterling, else the bank will build in its (usually lousy) exchange rate into that transaction, as well as any fee for the cheques themselves. Then you'll pay again (that's 3 times) through a poor exchange rate when they translate Pounds into Zlotys. <BR> <BR>It may be smart to take an extra ATM card if you can manage it, in the event one gets gobbled by a mean machine or erased in your new lizard-skin Italian wallet. Have a ball! <BR> <BR>

That's quite a few countries and long distances for a two-week trip. You might want to concentrate more on one or two countries. The more countries, the more you have to get used to different currencies, different languages, different train systems, etc. There is alot to be said for looking more intensively at one or two countries. Much is saved -- money, stress, time, etc. Just my opinion. <BR>

HI JUST TO SAY THANKS FOR THE HELP, ALTHOUGH I AM ACTUALLY GOING AWAY FOR 6 WEEKS SO I FIGURE I MIGHT BE ABLE TO SQUEEZE IN QUITE A FEW PLACES. THANKS AGAIN

Yes, six weeks is quite a different story! In Poland I wouldn't miss Krakow and, of course, Prague is fantastic. Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic is also excellent. Much of Germany is very interesting (to me anyway with my German heritage). Most people like s. Germany, but I was really interested in Berlin, <BR>Wittenberg, and Leipzig. Some people like Budapest and others don't. Probably you would want to find out for yourself. <BR>

If you have time, would you mind posting a trip report when you return? I particularly would love hearing about any of the areas in Eastern Europe. Have a wonderful trip!