Going to Europe for the first time

[wryter2000]

I've booked a Collette tour for Tuscany for this April and am staying in Florence for a few days afterwards.

May I ask dumb questions here?

Dumb question number 1. What's the best way to get Euros? I'd like to have some currency on hand before I leave.

Many thanks in advance.

[SoCalNative]

1. You can request them through your bank

or credit union. They have better rates than the currency exchanges.

But get a minimal amount, and use your ATM or credit cards if you need to get cash, and use credit cards for purchases when you can. Especially ones you may have that do not charge foreign transaction fees.

[BeyondGeography]

2. ATM's over there

You get the best rate that way. Your bank card will work fine, don't worry (and there will be an English prompt in any airport or city of any size).

If you must have Euros before you leave, change no more than $100.

[JustAnotherGen]

5. Plus 100 on the $100 limit

[Kali]

3. ATMs

Enjoy your trip!

[JustAnotherGen]

4. Chase generally has Euros on hand

But - at least at Newark International I know . . . you can get Euros in the terminal.

And there are no dumb questions! I came to DU with dumb questions about Costa Rica many years ago - and those who were well traveled there helped me out.

My husband is Italian, I now have my citizenship, and we own homes there. If there is a question unanswered PM me and I can ask him.

My first time in Rome Italy was fantastic because he lived there at one point, and knew ways around the traffic, best places to eat, etc. etc. He's lived in Acri (where he's from), Florence, Rome - did a lot of his military time in Pisa.

[wryter2000]

7. Thank you.

I'm also going to Costa Rica this year, but I'm traveling with a native, and he can answer my questions about there.

[unc70]

6. Your cards may not work in all ATMs

Because of banking networks and other reasons, some ATMs may not be compatible with your cards. Can be very frustrating when that happens. For example, an ATM in the baggage area of the Venice airport seems not to work with lots of cards, but does with some. Over the years, I have watched lines of frustrated travelers try to solve that puzzle.

Be sure to contact your bank before you travel to alert them to your destinations. Otherwise their anti-fraud systems might disable you cards while you are traveling. A real mess. Also, you need to use 4-digit PINs only.

I would mostly use credit cards for purchases, lodging, etc. and only use debit cards to get cash. This reduces the amount of cash at risk in your cash or checking account.

I also usually get $200-400 in euros from my credit union pre trip. My exchange rate is very low through them.

[wryter2000]

9. I am going to alert the banks that I'll be in Europe

A friend had problems every time she went out of town. They'd shut down her ATM card

[mwooldri]

12. Agreed. Also check with bank for what symbols to look for on ATM.

Certain card networks partner with local networks, and because there are a lot of local networks, it's impracticable to print them on your card.

My former employers (yeah, don't leave home without it. Really!) have an ATM locator here.

https://network.americanexpress.com/globalnetwork/atm_locator/

[wryter2000]

8. Thank you everyone

I think I'll start with Chase because I have several of their cards.

[sinkingfeeling]

10. Your bank should be able to get them within 2 days.

[diddlysquat]

11. Try AAA.

I always order them there.

[wryter2000]

13. That's a fabulous idea

My bank is going to make me go into the bank to order them. Not a biggie, but AAA is always helpful with things.



On edit: AAA of northern CA doesn't do that, so back to the bank.

[jberryhill]

14. I've gone to Europe more often than not with no more than $20 in my pocket

The ATM's work fine.

Carrying around large amounts of cash is a nuisance.