Best form of money to use while travelling?

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bob shark

Recognized credit card like Visa, or American Express is best, Debit cards aren't accepted widely

You need one for renting cars anyway, and all Hotels take them, and you can get money with them

Take enough cash for little stuff until you are where you are going then get cash advance from credit card.

Before I go, I send Visa $4,000 to put on my credit card, then Cash advances don't pay interest to the credit card, because the money is already there.

Traveler's checks are always a good method to use. You can "buy" them at your bank for any denomination, then, when you want to use them, they are used like a check, you sign them then hand them over. Anything that is left after your purchase, you'll get back as change (for example, the check is worth $20, you spend is $15, you'll get $5 cash back). A good thing about traveler's checks is that if you lose them, you are secured and can get them replaced (ask your bank about that).
Also, it wouldn't hurt to carry some cash and a debit/credit card. If you have a checking account at your bank, you can get a debit card that can be used as both a debit (where you enter your pin number at the registers) and a credit card. With the dual use, you'll see your money deducted out of your bank account almost immediately. Either way you choose, talk to someone at your bank for more advice. They can help you choose the best method for you. Good luck and enjoy your vacation!!

PerfectlyOK2BImperfect

A credit card would be the best with a back up of American Express Travelers Cheques. The credit card would be best because you get a favorable rate of exchange without having to worry about "shopping around" for it. I would start out by going to your bank (or your parents bank) to obtain the credit card. If you can get a "secured" one where it is loaded with a certain amount of money that would be good for helping to keep you from spending too much money by keeping restrictions on yourself. It would also allow someone back here at home to "reload" it for you if needed. The Travelers Cheques would be good as a backup incase you loose your credit card. Also, in an emergency you can contact American Express and they will help you out with local offices throughout Europe. You can get the Travelers Cheques at your bank as well.

dreamin delux

I know that in the states, it's always wise to use Traveler's Cheques. They're like cash but only you can use them. I have no idea whether this works in Europe though. If you're an AAA member (auto club), if you call or visit one of their offices I'm sure a representative can help you. They also offer maps, guides and extra things to help out with trips for their members, it's a great investment. Otherwise I would look into obtaining a debit/check card of some sort with an 800 customer number you can call in case it's lost or stolen, so you can replace it without losing the money. Good luck on your trip!

andrephoenix

I would go with either american express travelers checks or a well known credit card or just plain old euros

Mel

You'll probably want a small amount of cash, euros, likely, and travelers cheques. Both Spain and France took my travelers cheques, and they likely still do. Those require an ID to cash them, so they cannot be used if stolen.

I would also take a credit card, visa or a mastercard. Debit cards cost you money to withdrawal, and you may not find an atm that will take your debit card.

Also, make two copies of your passport, keeping one at home and the other with you, in case that gets stolen.

Have a great trip!

mrs_frost1

The best form of cash for travel is always travelers cheques.... only you can cash them and if lost you report they to your bank and they cancel them and give you a fresh set.. you should also have a small amount of cash maybe 200.00 for quick buys and in cases where folks don't take travelers cheques or so having a credit/debit card is also good in that hotels accept these, but they can be easily stolen or lost so unless you are very responsible teen then maybe no....

sweetbtfly

Traveler's checks work like cash and if they are stolen they can be replaced. Any bank or credit union issue them. They can be used all over the world.

nostromobb

Debit Card or Travelers Cheques are probably the best choice. A visit to your bank will take care of your concerns. A small sum of cash is a good idea, but either of the above choices and a visit to local bank (in the city you are visiting) will accomplish that.

vospire s

the best way is bank card with a credit card logo. it is essentially a debit card, but it will be accepted anywhere that said credit cards are accepted. look for one with either Visa or Mastercard. They'll do the exchange rates for you and you don't have to change currency when going to a new country. If you don't have one already, major banks will give you one if you have an account with them.

Paris Hilton

OK....
1. Get a money belt
2. Get only American Express Travelers Checks
3. Get a couple hundred in Euros from your bank here
4. Get an American Express card and a Visa/ Master card for the ATM...try it here now--make sure you can withdraw...
5. Put everything in money belt with passport and any other real important stuff...
6. Leave photocopy of everything with your parents..
Everybody above is correct but they did not discuss pickpockets enough...bump, distract and run...

Joe S

im on an exchange in france right now...and i believe that a little bit of cash on hand is good, but a credit card is a must. a debit card is out of the question, because you have to pay fees every time you take out money...and if you dont have a chequeing account, then you're out of luck for taking out money. althought its scary to lose money, just dont take a lot in your wallet. keep some at the hotel. have fun!!

curious_One

i suggest having a couple different forms of $$$ -- like a little cash on hand, credit card and a debit card. go to your bank and get it set up. open up a checking account and they set it up that way.

Who Knew?

Credit cards -- and take an American Express if you don't already have one. I know it costs money to get one, etc., but their travelers' services are realy good. Also, don't forget to make copies of all your important documents (passport, backs of credit cards [where the contact info is stored], etc.) and keep these documents SEPARATE from the real ones you carry around. Also, locate the American consulate in each country you're going to and note the contact info on a sheet of paper that you keep with the copies. This can save you a lot of headache if you get in trouble.

Happy traveling!

lorraine

Try to use a credit card if you can. To set up a debit card you need a bank account linked to the debit card. When using a debit card the money goes out of your bank account immediately and you can not dispute a charge (be real careful) With a credit card you get a 25 day float and you can dispute a charge.

madhawk78

Have one credit card and one ATM/debit card. You get the best exchange rate for your money when you use plastic. The ATM card can help you get euros when you need them. I agree with your fear of cash...buy a travel belt so you can hide your cash and passport from pickpockets. They will be in the major cities when it starts to warm up.
I would start up a checking account at a local bank and they should set you up with a debit card/ATM card there.

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