Prague/Vienna/Budapest -- MONEY

Many places in the city accept credit cards. However, outside of the city you might need cash. You'll need 3 currencies - the Czech Kourna, euros, and Hungarian Forints. Some places in Budapest accept the Euro but don't count on it.

Also, call your credit card ahead of time to let them know you are traveling. My US card has been blocked a few times while traveling which is a problem when you don't have cash as a back up!

Have fun.

I agree: most places in Prague, Budapest & Vienna accept credit cards. With that said, some places you will visit do not, but getting cash from a cash machine shouldn't be a problem. ATMs are everywhere.

Vienna is the only city on your trip officially on the Euro, but some places in Budapest & Prague will accept them. Don't bother with Travelers' Checks.

Enjoy your trip: Prague is magical- especially at night! (I say this with a bit of bias;)

bring cash

forget the travlers' checks. carry some cash, a debit card (with a limit per day on withdraws, about $300, so if stolen they won't get much) and 2 credit cards (there again, so if one gets stolen). Call all your credit card companys to see which one has the lowest fees for exchanges. Also talk to your bank about your debit card fees. You will want to w/d the max when you do because usually the fees are a flat amount. We would only pay cash when there was a discount or if the place didn't take credit cards; otherwise, we used our credit cards for most everything. Have fun!! Kelly

http://www.itisnet.com/english/e-ce/e-austria/e-vienna/e-r-vienna.htm

Hi Kara,
... the above web site is not about money, but it may be useful when you hit Vienna. bon appétit! P

Have you checked out: Graffiti Wall/Archived Topics/Money, ATMs, Traveler Checks yet?

I used the recommendations from the guidebook last week (CZ). Took US cash for emergency and never used it, went to ATM for local cash at restaurants and hotels (ours in CZ were cash only). The banking process was one of my biggest worries and turned out one of the easiest. Were warned to not let credit card out of sight in Prague, but having been there I'm not sure why. (Be happy to answer any questions if you want to PM.)

Steve

Was in all three 2 years ago, ATM's everywhere and worked just fine, when I left the states I had only 50 EU and no $ with me and had no problems.

Hi there,
we heard that some bank machines do not accept bank cards whose PIN has more than 4 digits. Is that true?
Please let me know.

Thanks!

I live here in Prague (& have traveled to Vienna & Budapest). This is how we do it: Use your debit cards at ATMs (call them "cash machines" here in Europe). Pull out money to use for the day because many places in Prague & Budapest are cash-only establishments.

Use credit cards when you can, but there should never be a reason to give your card to a waiter or waitress. He or she will bring a portable credit card machine to your table.

Vienna is your only site on the Euro, but some places in Prague & Budapest may accept them. Don't bring dollars from the States; no commercial establishment accepts them (like in the old days). Money-changers are rip-offs. You'd get a much better exchange rate at an ATM. Travellers' cheques are almost obsolete.

Thanks very much Patton!