My husband and I are going to Europe. Is it better to use cash or credit cards while there?

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ann.inspain

I would take a little money in euros for your immediate use, ie cigarettes, newspapers, coins for car parks etc. Not all bars/restaurants take cards
Take your card with you but BEWARE, there are a lot of scams going on at the moment, especially in Italy ( sorry but it's true)
When you are paying for a meal with your card NEVER give your card to the waiter/ess and let them walk inside with it to pay. Take it yourself to the cash register
If you are handing your card to a waiter/ess be very suspicious if they drop the bill. In this scam they have a card reader strapped to their ankle.
If your card gets jammed in the machine at the bank make sure that there is some one there to guard it. Try to do your transactions during opening hours because in this scam.
There is a device inserted into the machine that blocks the transaction and when you go to report it the device is removed, your card is put back and you are none the wiser that your details have been stolen.
Have a good holiday and stay safe
Anna

outtahere

just use your ATM card to get euros as you go. traveling in Europe is so easy nowadays as there are ATMs everywhere. It's a cash driven economy most places in europe, so every couple of days get the euros you think you'll need for your food and sightseeing and then just pay with your credit card at the hotel.

Patrick H

The simple answer is the credit card is the most covienent and safest way. But check your cards exchange rate. You could get a way better exchange rate at a bank. Also it has been my experience that you get more in the exchange of dollars to foreign currency before you leave the U.S.

carlsberg72

It all depends on the various currency exchange rates. Plus and this is a little known fact, when you purchase something from abroad, the bank/credit card company gives you a decent conversion rate, but also charges you a fee for doing so. So overall the rate maybe better if you have the cash with you.

You will always pay the local currency and the bank will do the conversion.

If you are going to the major cities, i would keep a limited amount of cash on you and not all your credit cards. Although I don't want to scare you, like any big city, there are pick pockets and you don't want to be trying to cancel all your cards abroad. I have had to do this, it's not fun, takes forever and spoils the whole trip.

That said, go and enjoy yourselves, both countries are beautiful, another piece of advice, take a currency convertor with you, that will help you see how much you are really paying for things, you can get electronic ones for very little.

GoodGuy

If you use Cash you will be spending in Euro and if you use Credit card you will be using USD + a small fee sometimes depending on your type of card or bank. usually these fees are to convert the currency value and can be as low as 1c to $10.00.

I always carry credit cads. Just make sure its either an Amex or a VISA(most preferred). Even mastercard is not widely popular in europe. Even if you carry cash be sure to carry in Amex Travellers Cheques or Amer Travel card as Europe is infested with thieves.

Have fun!!

I think you should use cash, cause it can get really complicated with credit cards...i mean i normally don't even use credit cards in US...cause it gets kinda confusing when you wanna return something...so i suggest cash! Oh yeah...have fun! ^_^

blue_girl

If you can find someplace with a good conversion rate I would use cash. Credit card companies can sometimes charge high rates to convert (you should call your credit card companies and see what they do). I would keep a credit card on hand as a backup, but if you can find a good exchange cash will work well. (Keep in mind that not everywhere will accept credit cards too).

UofMWolverines03

It is definitely not true that if you use a credit card, you pay the amount in U.S. dollars. I mean, yes, you'll pay with American money but the amounts charged will be the converted (U.S. dollars to Euros) amounts. Also, you can check with your credit card company, but I've never known a credit card company to charge for doing the conversion.

I really don't think it makes a difference. I've been to Europe twice. You'll pay the same amount either way.

Potitin

It is better to use both, cash and credit, for small shoppings.

jjbartelt

Why are you going to Europe? Go somewhere else cheaper.

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