Later this month and in August my wife and I will spend 8 days Cruising the Danube (Budapest to Nuremberg) and then spending another 8 days in Switzerland. I would appreciate any advice rendered on how to handle my cash. Specifically do I need to convert US $ to Euros or Swiss Francs or would it be better to convert it on the spot (at local bank) at our various stops. Most things on the Viking River cruise are already paid for, but sure we will want to purchase items along the way. We have never been to Budapest, Austria, or Germany so would appreciate any advice given. Thrutch
Posted by
Cary, NC
687 posts
You draw local currency directly from an ATM. Check with your bank to find out what fees it will charge (foreign currency conversion, and use of an ATM it doesn't own), and if they are high consider opening an account with Capital One or a Credit Union instead. You must let your bank, and your credit card company, know when and where you will be traveling. Note that while Austria and Germany use the euro, Hungary uses forints. This is a good site for conversions: http://www.xe.com
Posted by
Honolulu/Seattle, HI/WA, USA
2787 posts
Use a DEBIT card tied to a CHECKING ACCOUNT at ATMs in the countries you are traveling in. Some countries will take Euros some will take their local (national) currency. Get some local currency at whatever airport you first land in in Europe to get started. Taking US funds to Europe and trying to convert them over there is VERY expensive compared to using a DEBIT card in an ATM. Be sure to notify the financial institutions whose cards you are taking of where and when you will be traveling. We always take a debit card from each of two different financial institutions just in case something goes wrong with one of them - and it did once. You should also consider getting RS guide books for the countries you will be in, especially Switzerland. They contain a wealth of interesting information that we used to plan our trip to Germany/Austria/Switzerland this coming August. Happy Travels.
Posted by
Redlands, Ca, USA
358 posts
Everytime I return from Europe I bring home at least 500 euros to use on my next trip. In june we went to Switzerland and used a local ATM twice. The ATM's in Switzerland gives out large bills and stores seem to have no problem with the 100-200 bills.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33848 posts
Switzerland does not use Euros, it uses Swiss Franks - abbreviated as CHF.
Posted by
Orlando
166 posts
First of all, have a terrific time on your river cruise. We have traveled with Viking several times and it is an enjoyable experience. As others have mentioned, getting local currency from an ATM is the most inexpensive way to obtain cash. Viking will also convert currency for you at the current daily exchange rate (no additional fees) at the purser desk. We always prefer to get a small amount of foreign currency prior to leaving the U.S. to have on hand for any incidentals. We have found using a credit card for major purchases along the way to be the most effective.
Posted by
OP
broken arrow, oklahoma, USA
3 posts
Thanks for the input everyone!!