Reading Rick's book he says to bring US dollars but it seems to me that I should trade some money at my bank and bring some euros to start with. We will also bring the mix of credit cards and atm cards for money down the road. Thanks, -Marsha
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
Neither. Just withdraw cash from the ubiquitous ATMs. Your chances of needing cash before you encounter an ATM are infinitely small.
Posted by
Washington, DC
870 posts
The way I interpret Rick's advice is that bring US dollars as an emergency back up (you do not exchange this money in Europe unless you absolutely have to due to an ATM machine breakdown), but rely on your ATM card/debit card to withdraw the currency of need once you land at the airport. I have always done it this way and have had no problems and have had Euros on hand immediately. You save the most doing it this way (exchanging money state side is much more expensive due to the fees and the poorer exchange rate you will receive). Just make sure that you use a money machine attached to a bank (watch out for currency exchange machines masquerading as ATM machines) and inform your bank back at home that you will be using your card abroad.
However, if it makes you a little nervous to arrive with no local money and are willing to lose out on some money back home, by all means exchange a little here. Either way, bring a couple of hundred Euros back with you for your next trip to Europe.
Posted by
Florida, USA
12172 posts
I don't think it's a bad idea to bring some US currency as emergency money. It costs you nothing to convert it to and from Euros if you never use it.
As Tom said, bring your ATM card. Ask your bank about using it in Europe. If it has a Visa or Mastercard logo you will be able to use it at virtually any ATM (which are literally everywhere). Let your bank know you will be in Europe so you don't get a fraud hold on your account for unexpected transactions. Bring the non-800 number to your bank in case you have any problems. Have a backup plan (U.S. currency, card from other account, etc.) just in case.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
1317 posts
I always carry a small amount ($30-50) U.S. in case I need to buy anything in the airport on U.S. soil. It serves double duty as an emergency backup. I'm one of those who likes to land with euro in my pocket, so for the first trip I purchased 50 euro from the bank to take with me. Subsequently, I used the euro leftover from the last trip and now have probably about 100 euro at home waiting to be spent. The rest of the time, I withdraw whatever I need from ATMs in Europe or (depending) use a credit card.
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
I always take between 50 and 100 of the local currency with me. I've heard stories about late arrivals and broken ATMs. I figure I'll be jet lagged and wanting to get to my ground transportation. This lets me do it with ease. Sure, I walk past some ATMs most of the time, but I like to be a Boy Scout when it comes to money. And yes, I often bring some of it back and that serves as the next trip's early stash.
Pam