Cheapest way to pay for items, lodging etc.

Everytime I have been in Europe, I have used my debit card and have never had a problem. It is the safest way to go in my book. Enjoy your trip!

Cash if you can get a discount or drive a better price. A no/low fee credit card if you can not. Use the debit card to obtain cash.

If you avoid changing money at banks or other businesses, you will save time and energy. I always use the ATMs wherever I am.

They are easy to find and quick. I have used them in arrival air terminals, RR stations, banks, post offices, service stations and retail malls.

The exchange rate is best, but the fees vary from one bank to another.

Ask your bank for advice on which bank to use in the cities you will visit.

Don't buy travelers checks; they are expensive and hard to cash. Not everyone will cash one for you.
I have traveled in over 50 countries in 22 years and never had a problem. Even found ATMs in Russia which issued US dollars and rubles.

Here is Rick's advice on that: Money 101

In Germany, big chain hotels will take credit cards, but they are too expensive and culturally sterile. Small, family run Gästehäuser are less expensive, culturally richer, and often take only cash. My credit cards charge over 3% to use them; my debit card only charges 1%. I get cash from the ATM and pay with it.

debit and CCs will have the same fee usually for payment - so why risk using a debit card (unless it has a set amount in a sep. account just for that trip. If any venodr makes a mistake - it will takes days to get the amount back in cash since its "instant" vs a CC. I paid for a bottle of wine one day on a tour at the hotel bar and by mistake they added a zero. took more than a week to get it corrected - glad it was on the CC and not my debit card!

take money out at the ATM in maximum increments if you think you can spend it all--cheapest by far.

The reference to using debit cards is for obtaining cash from ATMs. I don't think anyone is suggestion that a debit card be used in place of a credit card.

You can get the best price using cash. You have to ask if they give a discount for cash. Many places will give you at least a five percent discount for cash. A lot of small places will only take cash because it costs too much to accept plastic.

I only use a debit card at the ATM. If I'm not going to save by using cash, I keep the cash in my account and use the credit card.

See my post on Schwab ATM and also Frequent Flyer Rewards which discusses the benefits of a Capital One Card.

Cash is best and will get you the best price... Next best would be a credit card like a Capital One, one of the few card companies that DOES NOT charge any currency CONVERSION RATES!

Most cards, even debit cards, will charge you a 1-3% "bank fee" on any charge you make to convert the currency. Prior to moving to Europe I researched this and selected a Platinum Capital One and have had NO additional fees on any charge I have made in Europe! Read the fine print on YOUR card - "What's in your wallet?"

AMEX is probably the highest at 2.5 - 3% depending on the country you're in. You pay up to 3% and the vendor ALSO pays AMEX up to 3%... The "Rule of 72" truly works at AMEX! Most vendors do not want to see your AMEX card!

Ciao from sunny Rome today!
Ron