Side Money

Withdraw from an ATM.

Christy I always arrive with about 100 euros, this is never difficult for me, I just go to my bank and buy it, but apparently Americans have more trouble with this as I often see on boards they have to order it and pay fees?? Perhaps it depends on the city?
I then use my ATm and withdraw every three or so days.
The Euro is used in most countries you are going to I think.
Make sure you have your ATM account in order( 4 digit numerical pin, money in one account etc)

Even though I rely on ATM's mostly, I always carry about $200USD in cash (stored in a moneybelt)in case of an emergency. I never bother to change it into the local currency; if an emergency arises I can always go to a bank or change bureau.

First, Check with your bank here to find out your daily limit on ATM withdrawels.

Fly in with no local cash. Stop at an ATM in the airport and get enough for at least a few days (Say 300 Euros depending on your daily limit, often $500, at your bank). Making bigger withdrawels results in less ATM fees over your trip. Keep all but your daily budget in your money belt, daily money can just go in your pocket.

Try to end your trip with only a little money left, so you don't have to "retrade" your currency. I usually keep the little left as a souvenir or give as gifts.

If you will change currency at a border during your trip, treat it like the end of your trip. What extra you have can be changed at a bank or booth or kept as a souvenir.

When you come home, only larger denominations will be exchanged. If you don't wan't to keep any, spend the little stuff at the airport on snacks for the plane before flying home.

There are some important things to do BEFORE leaving home to be sure your credit cards and ATM cards will work in Europe. Read this helpful article by Rick Steves: www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/moneytip.htm.

Christy, I always have about 40 Euros in a wallet that I don't mind getting stolen. Then I have as much money as I think I need stashed in my money belt. 40 Euros usually gets me through the day.

I try to take 300Euros on me for arrival - 1 less thing to try and do while you find your taxi/train/hotel etc. Then the next day or two you can find a good big-bank ATM and refill as needed. I also like to have a $100 and $50 US-bill (and maybe a smaller 20 too for drinks to/from at airports). This is just incase. Came in handy coming or going. This is all in the money-belt, and as other suggest - a small wallet of 40-50 bucks for daily spending cash (preferably in a secure pocket!)

I also arrive with about $100 worth of local currency. My bank allows me to use certain foreign banks's ATM with no transaction fee. Trying to find those banks upon arrival, along with everything else, is too much. That's why I arrive, get settled, and then look for those branches.

I suggest checking with your bank to see if they have some similar program.

Always keep small bills/coins in a front pocket. Pickpockets will find it difficult if you are outgrowing your clothes & reduces need to go to moneybelt for that purchase of a bottle of water.

As to withdrawing money: If you are going to non-euro countries, take out more initially and less near the end of your stay in that country. Then when checking out from hotel and paying with CC take your excess cash, pay with that even if it is only a small part of the bill then put the rest on the card. Gets rid of pesky small bills and change. This assumes you don't need it for taxi, bus or sandwich for the train.