The different prices for different areas in cafés are also posted on the price lists by law: comptoir, salle, terrasse.

Huh i didnt know about the different prices by area. Thanks a lot!

Remember to call your credit card company to let them know you will be using the card in France. Also, your bank so you can use your ATM card there. Getting euros from the ATM is the best way to get cash. Look for one at the airport when you arrive. Have fun!

I think your cousin may just tag along with you the whole time, so try to find a diplomatic way to see everything you want to see without compromising too much for her interests and schedule.

I don't usually call my bank, but better safe than sorry on your first trip.

Lol credit.

Definitely let your bank and credit card companies know you will be travelling, where and the dates to avoid fraud holds being placed on your accounts! Do use ATMs to get cash, it is the least expensive way to get cash. Don't bother with TravelEx at the airport...exchange rates are expensive and also don't fall for their preloaded chip and PIN Visa, also not a good value!

Always least expensive to have your drink at the counter (comptoir), if possible. It can be a good way to meet locals, as well. No need to tip, but rounding up to the next euro is fine (especially if the service is good). When seated, ask for tap water to keep costs down. Many places will serve you pricey bottled water if you don't specify tap water. Une carafe d'eau or de l'eau du robinet should get you tap water.

I am using cash. I already have a significant amount in euros that i changed at my bank. I dont plan on using credit.

Along with letting you cc/bank know leave your email address with them in case they put a stop on you then call your home # or cell.. Try to stay in touch or have more than 1 ATM card on 2 different accounts..Talk to your bank re: this. Charge what you can in Europe and demand that the charges be in euros...not dollars. This will eliminate double exchange costs..

You are not bringing a huge wad of cash with you, I hope! That is a recipe for disaster.

"<i>I am using cash. I already have a significant amount in euros that i changed at my bank.</i>"

Big mistake :(

OK - no credit card . . . But PLEASE tell us you at least have an ATM card??!!

You should have a credit card for emergencies. Maybe your parents could add you as an authorized user to one of their cards and get a card for you in your own name. That's what my teenagers have, in case of emergency.

Well, you have worried abour what food to order....please don't go to Europe witna wad of cash and no way to get more in case of emergency. Not smart at all. Agree with above post, at least have an ATM card to use to get cash. What will you do if your cash is lost or stolen? That is worth researching!

I am bringing a wad of cash with me.....but i was plannjng kn keeping it super safe. Some in my money belt(hidden under my clothing) and some in my luggage, in the hotel. I felt the money belt, seeing as it is attached to my waist and under my clothing, would be a fool proof way of keeping my money safe. I mean, i would feel someone reaching under my coat, sweater, and shirt to untie it.
Are there better options? I have one atm card. But tue wad of cash ive already accumulated, what can i do with that?

Just how 'big' a wad of cash???

"<i>I am bringing a wad of cash with me.....but i was plannjng kn keeping it super safe. Some in my money belt(hidden under my clothing) and some in my luggage, in the hotel.</i>"

Unfortunately that is water under the bridge now since selling it back to the bank will lose you even <i>more</i> money. :(

(for future reference - buying currency at home is the most expensive/worst option and now you have the hassles of protecting all that cash during your trip)

Never EVER leave cash in your luggage/hotel room. You will possibly have an in-room safe. If so that is better, but leaving in the main hotel safe (at the front desk) is better.

Using your ATM card when needed is by far the best way to get €€. But "big" is a relative term - how much €€€ cash do you have?

<<"I am using cash. I already have a significant amount in euros that i changed at my bank.">>

Good grief! With all the things you've been obsessing about over the past few weeks, you'd think you would have mentioned the HUGE "money issue," instead of worrying about what to order at a café!

You've already lost about 7-10% of your Canadian dollars exchanging money at a bank, and now you're planning to take a big wad of cash with you and "keep it super safe." ???? Please tell me this isn't the case!

You can't do anything with this "wad of cash" you've accumulated - selling it back to the bank or at an exchange booth would lose you even more than you've already lost. You just have to hope and pray you'll keep it safe. Moneybelts aren't foolproof. Don't plan to go digging around in your nether regions anywhere in public to retrieve money to pay for small stuff along the way - nothing screams "I've got a boatload of cash!" louder than a tourist scrounging for money under clothing. Just take out a small amount for what you think you'll need during the day and keep it somewhere OTHER than in the moneybelt. And don't ever leave money in your hotel room, ever!

Use the ATM card to get cash at the most affordable rate available. If you think you'll be returning to Europe, maybe save some of those euros for the next trip (and next time, don't exchange money ahead of time!).

Follow the above advise..NEVER leave $ in your hotel room, locked up or otherwise..Carry some out where it is handy and keep the rest away on/in your interior regions...Have a cc and Atm card for emergencies as suggested..Don't continue to fret however what is done is done and you MUST START thinking about what a good time you are going to have!!! If you don't your trip will not be worth much in a positive way!!!

<< <i>"I am using cash. I already have a significant amount in euros that i changed at my bank."

**

<< "I am bringing a wad of cash with me.....but i was plannjng kn keeping it super safe. Some in my money belt(hidden under my clothing) and some in my luggage, in the hotel."</i> >>


<B>Oh my god </B> #-o

Doppio..You certainly don't ease any concerns for this neophyte traveller!!! We really should try to make concrete suggestions as the deed is done..Now what??? Say something positive.

Take care, Passionfruitdrink37, of your belongs, your sanity (with your cousin),your good nature and be prepared to have a ball!!! 396 comments and probably more to come!!!

<< <i>Doppio..You certainly don't ease any concerns for this neophyte traveller!!! We really should try to make concrete suggestions as the deed is done..Now what??? Say something positive. </i> >>


Ok. think I PFD will have a great time, and I think we are in store for a fantastic trip report! :P

I sometime wonder if this is the most successful troll of all time, but then I just give myself over to enjoying the latest evolving problem and the responses it elicits!