When we went to Italy we used cash more than anything because it was a cheaper fee from the ATM as opposed to the exchange charges from the bank and credit card company (usually 3% total).

And most of our hotels wanted cash only so we would take large amounts of cash out of the ATM often. Just put it in your moneybelt or travel pants (I have a cool pair of ex-officio travel pants that have the inside zipper, not bulky at all).

But they definitely need a credit card for emergencies even if they don't use it.

FYI, the Amex office is on Damrak (the road if you walk straight down from Centraal Station), and is a little hard to see. They have very limited hours on weekends, but are very helpful (especially for Goild Card members--which I assume these people actually wouldn't be, I guess).

I have a co-worker who has given up credit cards. It was through a program at her church about living a simply lifestyle. She did close out all her credit cards after paying them off and only has a checking account. I don't know if she has an ATM card. When she travels, she pays in cash. Her travel agent will accept cash or checks. She recently went on a cruise and had no problems checking in at the airport or at the cruise ship check in.

I'm with Flyboy. These acquaintances are putting far too much pressure on you to take care of their finances. They would end up being my enemies rather than acquaintances if I didn't get repaid. I have been a group escort for many years, and some people simply expect too much from the leader. I have loaned only to friends, and even then they have a way of forgetting. I paid, but they waited until they got paid or until the "10th of next month" before they "remembered" they owed me. Loaning money creates enemies rather than stronger friendships.
I would clue them in about tipping. Though guide books often say tips are included, one is expected to tip hotel maids, concierges, the one who carries your bags, cabs, etc. I have often overtipped to take care of those in my group too tight to leave anything. In spite of what I have just said, most of my clients have been wonderful, appreciative people. Good luck with yours.
Boots

I don't want anyone to worry about any undue financial exposure or unreasonable 'pressure' being a concern... I'm a Taurus, it ain't gonna happen.
You are offering your 'worst cases' and good solid ideas, which are making me think. For instance, I could reserve them a hotel online, and they pay cash for the room - but I forgot the hotel would like to 'see' the card at check-in. See, that's a good reminder for me.
I've been looking into the AAA / visa Travelmoney thing, or just a debit/ATM card. I haven't talked to them at all about this stuff, so don't know if they do/don't have a checking acct. I just wanted to have some suggestions for the discussion about 'how it's going to work'. You've all been great, thanks a bunch.

If there is not a place in Heaven reserved for folks who would take something like this on . . there sure should be!

Rich

Your acquaintances are, presumably, adults. Unless they hide their money in mayonnaise jars out in the back yard, they should have bank accounts. Tell them to get a debit card with a Visa logo.

They want you to be their guide......fine. But "blue-collar" or not, they should not expect you to hold their hands and babysit them through the entire first-time-outside-the-US process.

Those of us who travel have had to learn many things on our own (including fiscal responsibility and having to deal with emergency situations), even though some may have had a more experienced person to help us along a little (as my hubby and I did when we first began traveling). I don't see why your acquaintances can't be expected to participate in the process more in depth. The skills they learn on this trip will instill confidence, and might facilitate future travels for them.

Since you're asking questions, it seems you are slightly reluctant about some things. Listen to your gut. ALWAYS CYA, ALWAYS.

ncgrrl,

don't take this the wrong way but your co-worker giving credit cards to "live a simpler life" somehow contradicts the fact the she was going on a cruise in the first place. I would not call cruising "a simple life" . Why not give up the cruising and hold on to the cc for an emergency, you don't have USE it. I just thought that was kind of funny.

I've travelled to many parts of the world - including many parts of the US -on a "cash only" basis. Indeed, I've generally used credit cards only when travelling on the business of a company I don't own.

It's almost totally painless. Sometimes you're asked for ID. Passports or driving licences. Hotels want some kind of payment in advance: Cash. Use a travel agent to secure the reservation. Car hire companies want quite large deposits, sometimes. But Holland is one country where you'd be mad to hire a car. If you can't get where you want to be by train, bike from the nearest station.

No airline asks to see a credit card if you've gone to their office and bought the ticket in cash. Western Europe has no serious customs controls on cash movements: none of this "declare it if you're carrying more than $10,000" nonsense.

The only issue is security. That's the one - the only - case for travellers' cheques. Otherwise, moneybelts etc. And the good sense to use a bank at home capable of getting cash to you quickly in an emergency. Which really means HSBC or Citibank, though NatWest used to be handy when they had a US operation.

Travelnut didn't ask whether his friends' request was wise. He just wanted to know if it was possible. It's more than possible. It's a complete doddle.