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Very roughly determine what the unit of currency (euros, kroner, Swiss francs, or whatever) is worth in American dollars. For example, let's say the exchange rate is €1 = $1.10. If a strudel costs €5, then it costs five times $1.10, or $5.50. Ten euros, at this rate, would be about $11, and €250 = $275 (figure 250 plus about 10 percent more).
- Tips on Using ATMs in Europe
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- Tips on Using ATMs in Europe
- European Currency
- What You Need to Do Before Your Trip
- Best Practices For Getting Cash Out in Europe
- ATMs in Europe
- Other Tips For Money in Europe
- Any Other Questions About Taking Out Money in Europe?
Within the European Union, the euro is the dominant currency used, however, the euro is not the only currency. Certain countries within the EU have chosen to keep their own currency. Similarly, there are countries within Europe that aren’t part of the European Union that do not use the euro. (Kosovois not part of the EU, but they choose to use the ...
Notify your bank and credit cards
This is the most important notes that I have for travelers visiting Europe! If you don’t put on a travel notice for your cards, you won’t be able to use your cards. It’s disappointing and it’s happened to family members of mine. Inform your bank/credit card companies of travel plans.
Set your withdrawal limit
One pro tip of mine is to set your withdrawal limit a bit lower by default in case your card is stolen. I have my withdrawal limit at 150 euros per day and it can be updated easily if I had an emergency. As a traveler, I’d recommend maybe 200 euros if you’re concerned about needing to pay for a hotel in cash.
Do you need to carry a lot of cash on you?
No, you do not. Carrying a lot of cash on you is a liability whether it’s leaving it vulnerable in your hotel room and carrying it around with you on the street (making you more prone to pickpockets). It depends on your travel style, but you will be surprised how many European establishments will accept cards. Some European countries like Germany and Albania tend to be more cash-based.Similarly, some countries (like the Netherlands) prefer a card system that is not used by many other countrie...
Avoid traveler’s checks
Although traveler’s checks have long been sold as the safest choice for paying for travel in Europe, however, you might be surprised how many places do not take them anymore. Save yourself the effort of gathering traveler’s checks and look into credit cards that do not charge foreign transaction fees before your trip to pay for hotels (and other extras).
Know the rough rate for conversion
On my first trip to Europe, I obsessed over the currency exchange rate, but unless you’re making a very large purchase in the thousands, you don’t need to check the currency rate obsessively. It will change a bit, but most likely not as markedly as you’d expect. Even checking the rate every couple days or before you travel to a country that doesn’t use the euro will save you some hassle and help you figure out how much you’re spending in your home currency. This is particularly helpful in ter...
Ensure you have at least one debit card with Visa or Mastercard, if not more.
You never know when your cards will stop working, an ATM eats your card, or you forgot to clear your card for travel. It’s always good to always have a backup card. Visa and Mastercard are the two most popular card types in Europe, so if you have more than one, you’ll save yourself a lot of effort!
ATMs in Airports are convenient, however they usually have high fees attached to them
One of the most convenient places to find an ATM is at the airport, however I recommend checking for the relevant fees as well as the exchange rate as these ATMS tend to be less than ideal. I sometimes take out a small bit of cash (40 euros) to allow me to get into the city center and/or my hotel before finding an ATM at a bank.
Try to look up banks, rather than ATMs, as these ATMs will have lower fees
Whenever you’re looking for a cash machine/ATM, I recommend searching for banks! There’s usually an ATM run by the bank itself and compared to third-party items, their fees might be lower (beyond your own international banking fees). Avoid Euronet ATMs at all costs!
Be aware of your surroundings and try to use ATMs within residential neighborhoods
This is a big one! When I was in Paris, someone on the free walking tour with me chose to use an ATM at a heavily trafficked corner near the Louvre. While he was using it, a man tried to extort him to take the cash while another lingered nearby. I try to use cash machines in residential neighborhoods (where it’s quieter) and if I have to use an ATM in a popular area, I try to ensure that nobody else is close to me prior to quickly putting the money away.
Large bills may not be broken in many shops
If you’re taking out quite a bit of cash, be warned that many smaller shops and even commercial shops may refuse to break your bill that is 100 euros (and more). It’s frustrating, so avoid getting bills more than 100 euros (beyond paying for accomodation). I generally recommend getting out your money in twenties or fifties.
Avoid exchanging money
Although it seems like a good ideal to have some extra cash on you, the exchange rate at most money exchange booths is far less favorable than using an ATM. I recommend leaving your home currency money at home and waiting until you arrive. You’ll get more money to keep!
It’s generally cheaper to pay in cash for small items and meals. I typically use a credit card for hotels.
You’ll have an easier time paying for smaller meals as well as small items in cash. I typically use a credit card (that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees) to pay for hotels, car rentals, and large purchases (e.g. flights).
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May 10, 2023 · Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City use the euro as their national currency, in agreement with the EU. A number of countries and territories use the euro as their de facto currency such as Kosovo and Montenegro. Cash transfers and paying by card . When travelling, most of us avoid carrying large amounts of cash. We often rely on our ...
Jun 19, 2017 · If your PIN is based on letters rather than numbers, translate the letters into numbers before leaving the country. Many ATMs only have numbers on the keypad. Another thing to keep in mind: Some ...
Member countries using the euro. Currently, the euro (€) is the official currency of 20 out of 27 EU member countries which together constitute the Eurozone, officially called the euro area. Euro area member countries. Non-euro area member countries. Member countries with an opt-out.
Feb 27, 2024 · Getting a Euro currency card is a great bet if you’re headed to any of the 20 European countries which use the euro. It can make it safer for spending while you’re away as you won’t need to carry a lot of cash – and your travel money account isn’t linked to your regular bank account so even if you were unlucky enough to have your card ...
