A few trip photos, brief commentary

[Paula]

Since we're planning a trip in a few days, do you recommend traveler's checks, cash, charge card... which is the least expensive option since there are fees with each of these when converting to Euros. I assume the best option is amix of all 3, but what do you think of traveler's checks and charge cards for getting cash? We'll be near banks. We won't have a safe deposit box in the apartment we're renting. Advice most appreciated.

 

[sue]

When we were in France we used our ATM card for cash withdrawls most of the time-and our AMEX . Banks use an intrabank exchange rate, so you usually get the best exchange at the ATM. One important thing to remember is that most banks have a per BUSINESS day limit on withdrawls-meaning that if you withdraw 600.00 US dollars on Friday, no more for you until Monday--
hope you have a great time-

 

[Mermaid]

Since we're planning a trip in a few days, do you recommend traveler's checks, cash, charge card... which is the least expensive option since there are fees with each of these when converting to Euros. I assume the best option is amix of all 3, but what do you think of traveler's checks and charge cards for getting cash? We'll be near banks. We won't have a safe deposit box in the apartment we're renting. Advice most appreciated.

1. Call your bank and let them know when you will be out of the country. Do NOT forget to do this!!
2. It is useful to have at least a few Euros in your pocket before you go; your bank will exchange for you for a small fee. $100 worth of Euros is nice.
3. Do NOT use your credit card to get cash--have you looked at the cash advance fees? They're close to usury.
4. Use your ATM card to withdraw cash as it's the most economical way to go and ATM are not hard to find.
5. Use your credit card abroad the same way you use it at home.
6. If you do not have a large daily ATM withdrawal allowance, have your bank increase it for the duration of your trip. We increase ours from a typical $200/day withdrawal to $500/day.
7. We haven't bothered with traveler's checks in years but I suppose they're as safe and trustworthy as they've always been.
8. Hope you have as nice a trip as Cil!!!

 

[Cil]

Pretty much what Mermaid said. Well done, Mermaid!

We usually don't bother notifying our bank when we go abroad, but then we've never bought travel insurance either.

We haven't used traveler's checks in over 10 years. We do use moneybelts and/or under-the-shirt pouches religiously.

We usually do get euros before we go, but it is absolutely impossible to do this here (learned this last Feb.) So we just waited until we were over there.

 

[kathydwells]

Cil, I really, really enjoyed your in-depth trip report. I felt like I was right there with you. The photo's were just beautiful!!!! Thank you so much for sharing.

 

[Mermaid]

Pretty much what Mermaid said. Well done, Mermaid!

We usually don't bother notifying our bank when we go abroad, but then we've never bought travel insurance either.

We haven't used traveler's checks in over 10 years. We do use moneybelts and/or under-the-shirt pouches religiously.

We usually do get euros before we go, but it is absolutely impossible to do this here (learned this last Feb.) So we just waited until we were over there.

I forgot to add about notifying your credit card holders as well. There have been several incidences (particulary in Italy but I have no idea why) in which people have tried to use their cards abroad and had them refused. I'm not the least bit fussy or over-anxious about details when I travel, but that's one thing I always do! I'd rather cover my bases when it comes to money matters and let my companies know I'll be using their cards--debit or credit--rather than having them err on the side of caution, thinking my cards have been stolen or hijacked.

 

[Paula]

Thanks for the advice, Mermaid and Cil. I may be able to get some Euros at the airport in Detroit before we leave since they have a money exchange place. And we'll stay away from cash advances using the charge card and just use it to buy things though we've learned to travel just with carry-on bags and we travel very light.

 

[Cil]

we've learned to travel just with carry-on bags and we travel very light.

That's the way to do it. Maybe you could change money at your own bank, or are you in a situation similar to ours?
Have a wonderful trip. Off to Italia?

 

[Paula]

Italia it is. 3 days and counting... for two weeks of pizza, panini, good wine, gelato, relatives, friends, family reunion...