Pay attention to your watches !
Oct 28th, 2017, 05:25 PM
#42
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Interestingly I spoke to some English speaking Chinese when in Spain this year. They were carrying very large sums of cash in 500€ notes. The couple said that they were advised not to take credit cards( she didn’t say by who) and that Europeans prefer cash. Of course they had problems trying to give anyone such a large note. They had their money out for all the world to see, and the waiter tried to warn them not to take out so much cash in plain view. When they were trying to pay for the bill the table of 10 all had their money out trying to get the correct money. The tour group leader just sat there not saying anything.
We had a game of charades showing them our money belts, and they tried to put them in the strangest of places. At the end of all this they all shook our hands and moved on. While there is safety in numbers, I hope that they ended up keeping their valuables safe.
Millionaires don’t do the bus tours. Most of them are middle class retirees, just like most of us. The really wealthy in China visit Europe in very small groups and they prefer hiring a limo. My friends family in China went to Rome and they had difficulty hiring a limo to take them to the Vatican.
We had a game of charades showing them our money belts, and they tried to put them in the strangest of places. At the end of all this they all shook our hands and moved on. While there is safety in numbers, I hope that they ended up keeping their valuables safe.
Millionaires don’t do the bus tours. Most of them are middle class retirees, just like most of us. The really wealthy in China visit Europe in very small groups and they prefer hiring a limo. My friends family in China went to Rome and they had difficulty hiring a limo to take them to the Vatican.
Oct 28th, 2017, 07:35 PM
#43
The Chinese are just beginning to carry less cash at least in Paris, since the Chinese credit card <b>Union Pay</b> is now accepted by the major department stores and quite a few of the luxury boutiques and hotels. In fact, Union Pay was one of the sponsors of the illuminations on the Champs Elysées last Christmas.
Oct 28th, 2017, 07:55 PM
#44
Join Date: Mar 2015
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Well, if their cards didn't work previously in Europe, that would explain the recommendation. Enough Americans still think travelers checks are still common, maybe because AAA still tries to sell you the travel card. I ended up carrying more cash there than I would in the US just because a lot of places didn't take cards. I was surprised that larger bills like 50s and hundreds were readily accepted even by small venders. Still, can't imagine whipping out 500 notes to pay for meals or whatever. I don't think I saw those anywhere.
