I haveoticed that most people in this group discuss using a Cirrus ATM card in Europe. Anyone have experience with a PULSE card there?

Cirrus is said to be more widespread than the Plus system. I have a Plus card, however, and I rarely can't find an ATM when I need one, even in Eastern Europe. Beware, however, that sometimes and for no good reason, ATM cards don't work (then next day or at the next machine it could be fine} I'd recommend always having two solid ways to get money - some combination of credit cards, ATM cards and a modest amount of money in travellers checks. Last time I was in Salzburg, for example, my US-based ATM card that I normally use decided to boycott, so I withdrew some money as a cash advance on my Visa. Later in the day, the ATM card came to its senses. My parents just had the same experience with their ATM card in Greece - they cashed some travellers checks instead. In my experience, there's really no need to change money in advance of a trip when travelling in Europe. I saw a web site somewhere (don't remember where, sorry) that had updated information of all ATMs that worked on one of the systems (I also don't remember which it was, Cirrus or Plus). If you hunt around on the web, you should find it. It was sorted geographically.

It's true that one needn't change money in advance of traveling to Europe. However, it's not a bad idea to get about $50 - $100 in the money where you're traveling.You will need some money on arrival and can face long lines at the airport bank or ATM. After a long trip, it's not all that great to wait in a line toget money to pay the bus driver. Tip: get smaller bills, if possible. Don't offer a 100 pound note to a bus driver! Don't get all that much money in advance in the U.S. The rates are awful at, say, Thos Cook but it's a price you pay. If you're on a tour, this doesn't always apply, especially if you're going to be a day or so in one country.