imaukpanda

Well thanks for all the helpful advice. Kate I know that they are civilized... as for a credit card out of luck (real bad credit) I got rid of those, but I think I will take the ATM card and some cash. Plus my little sister lives there I am sure that she will help, or at least get a good laugh of me.

bob_brown

I think the most important aspect of a credit card is whether or not the issuing agency imposes an extra 2% surcharge for each transaction. The surcharge is absolutely extra bank profit. Yuo pay for essentially no value added.

I have a card from MBNA that charges nothing extra. Visa and MC both add on 1% for the service, but they are dealing upwards from the wholesale bank rate of exchange. That is cheap compared to what you would pay at an airport exchange booths, sometimes called cambios or something else similar. Even if I order euros from a bank here in the US, I end up paying about 5% for the transaction rather 1%.

My ATM card is not a debit card. As far as I know, it cannot be used for purchases. I do have a debit card, but it rarely comes out of my passport case. I carry it mainly in case an aTM gets hungry and eats my ATM card for lunch.

I do carry a second credit card so waiters will not sound like tea kettles about to boil over if the primary card fails. But I don't use it unless pressed because it is from BOA and those jokers add on the extra 2% per transaction. So phooey on them. I will use my MBNA card.

And I have my veteran traveler's checks. Some of them may make a 5th round trip in June.

There is no time limit on the psychological warmth they provide.

Yes, indeed, let your credit card issuer know where you will be when out of the country. I find that it is a good idea. I would also have the phone number in case I had to reach them. Most 800 numbers don't work when called from Europe -- at least in my experience. Usually from Europe you can call collect.

I have only had a credit card blocked once and that was because my girl friend mistakenly put the credit card into the ATM's mouth rather than the ATM card. The card was being inhaled by the machine when she realized it was the wrong card. She cancelled the transaction, but the bank blocked the card. We found out about it when we tried to use the card 3 days later and it was refused. (Second card to the rescue.)

Another reason for a credit card is the insurance some of them provide on various items. Also, you can dispute transactions if need be. I have not had to do that yet, but the option remains.

I try to balance it out. But I don't like wandering the streets with a big wad of folding money in my possession. If the purchase is fairly large, like a restaurant meal or a hotel bill, I use the CC. If the purchase is small, or I am at a place where credit cards are not taken, I use cash. If the debit check card is Visa or MC based, I know of no reason why it would not work.

But at least with the credit card, I can review the bill and challenge any thing I think is fishy.
And if you rent a car, you will find that a credit card is usually required.

So I go with cards and each card has a backup. I have one and my traveling companion (of 48 years) has one. We do so just in case one of us encounter a ravenous ATM or something screwy happens and my card is blocked. Never happened in Europe, but one never knows.

The other reason I never leave home without my companion is that one of us keeps look out while the other takes out money! Europe is safer than the US, but in the summer, I seem to see lots of foreigners wandering about!

suze

Hi UK panda... since you do not have a credit card I might reconsider taking a few travelers checks. Alternately, since you are visiting a relative you can throw yourself on her mercy should anything go wrong (seriously I think of things differently visiting friends in Europe then when I'm traveling solo in a new city where I don't know anyone).

taggie

Traveller's cheques, though can be a real b*&$*h to cash. A few years ago we had some in London and couldn't go to just any bank branch to cash them but were directed to a main branch, ehich of course was very busy.
if you were staying in a hotel you could perhaps cash them at the front desk.
But many places will charge you a fee to cash them.

I can't imagine going without a credit card, but I guess it would be possible. Maybe taking debit cards from a couple of different banking institutions would be a good idea.

But the only problem we've ever had on 4 continents was in Greece - some of the ATMs would not allow my DH to withdraw cash, but would allow my card to do so - on the same account. Go figure.

imaukpanda

Yeah I wish I had a CC, but since I don't I think I may take a few traveler's checks. Yeah suze,I am pretty sure she will help if my money was not accessible. I figure cash and will take the ATM card just in case. I am glad I am thinking of this stuff ahead of time. I appreciate all of the input. Has taken some of the fear out of traveling yet made me realize I for sure need to plan very carefully.

LoveItaly

You do not have credit cards. So that is not an option. I would (and always do) take about $100.00 in US cash (just so I have it when I return home). I would take $200.00 in Euro's. I do not care what others say, I want some Euro's when I arrive in Europe.

And by the way, I have friends born and raised in Europe who live in the US now and the always take about $200.00 in Euro's with them when they fly home to see family. The small fee you pay to do this IMHO is not important.

ATM cards. Perhaps you might want to open a second checking account. Get an ATM card for this. Use this ATM card on your travel. But also have the ATM card from your regular checking account just in case you need it.

Advise both banks that you will be in Europe.

Traveler checks. If it makes you feel better, perhaps described as a "peace of mind insurance policy" than bring a few.

Do what makes you feel relaxed.

Each traveler has different methods of what they require and how they feel.

Have a wonderful trip!

summersquash

Hi UK Panda, I too have relatives in the UK. It is easier when you know someone. You can always make out a check to them and they can cash it at there bank, if you have problems, without needing travelers checks. Plus you always have someone that knows the best ways of doing things and the best places to go. Hope you have a great time.

imaukpanda

I have a total off topic question, since I am the poster of the original question I figure I have the prerogative to change topics. Ok so here is my question...I have been reading all the great trip reports and is it something you have to join or can any one write one out and post it? Sorry if my question is lame.

LoveItaly

imaukpanda, absolutely you can write a trip report when you return home. Please do. You can write a report just like you can post a question.

Trip reports are fun to read, and give others ideas and information for their future trips.

Have a beautiful trip, and we will look forward to your report.

ira

Hi panda,

Not only may you write a trip report, it is mandatory.

suze

You can write just about anything you want on Fodors (I say laughing!). Some people write very detailed reports about their trips, some simply check in to say thanks for advice they received here in planning, and some folks we never hear from again.

I never post trip reports myself, but I am a near daily reader & poster on Fodors whether I have a trip coming up or not. So my contribution instead of a formal report at the end of a vacation, more likely comes by later answering any posted questions I know about from my own travel experiences.

suze

LoveItaly, our friend needs pounds not euro. I think you didn't realize her travel is only to the UK. But I agree especially with no charge card, I would pay the fee at my home bank and order up some cash so I arrived with Pound notes in hand.

LoveItaly

suze, oh you are so correct, pounds not euros, duh! quot;>