Not having toured in Europe since the Euro was introduced, I would be most grateful if anyone could give any thougts on the best way to take money abroad. Cash,travellers cheques,or useing credit cards. Any tips would be great.thanks Clive
euros
- Thread starter CliveJ
- Start date
When I go to France I usually take some cash, hidden in a couple of places and for the rest I use my credit card. May not be the cheapest way of doing it but as you can buy almost all goods, services and fuel in this way, plus you can get cash from most ATMs, it is a very convenient way.
A couple of hundred euro's in cash. Then use credit/debit cards, preferably the wife's. By using your cards you can get a good rate of exchange from the ATM's, providing your bank doesn't impose a handling fee, Nationwide don't! Also by totting up your receipts etc from credit/debit cards you get a rough idea of how much your holiday has cost you, if you really want to know??
We always take some Euros with us in cash, as previously said, divide them up and hide in appropriate places. We then use our credit card for major purchases, such as fuel, meals, etc., and keep topping up cash for everyday spending from the cash machines - now these are available in all towns, most villages, some supermarkets, and even some (big) petrol stations - there's no problem. Just like being at home really.
It's nostalgic to think back to the days of having to find a bank, going into town, finding it was closed, going back when it re-opened, forgetting your passport, going back the next day with the passport, queueing for your money, paying commission, and having to go back three days later to repeat the experience!!! Much easier these days!
It's nostalgic to think back to the days of having to find a bank, going into town, finding it was closed, going back when it re-opened, forgetting your passport, going back the next day with the passport, queueing for your money, paying commission, and having to go back three days later to repeat the experience!!! Much easier these days!
Re chip & pin - we were in Normandy at Easter and our chip & pin cards DID work with the French system - it surprised some of the French cashiers!!! A lot of places still swiped & wanted a signature but in several stores we used our PIN with no problems at all. We haven't braved the automated fuel stations yet though......
Definitely recommend telling card issuer you are going aborad - a friend had hers cancelled because they suspected fraud, only because she hadn't told them!
Definitely recommend telling card issuer you are going aborad - a friend had hers cancelled because they suspected fraud, only because she hadn't told them!
hi anna i uderstand that only french cards can work on the automated petrol stations i tryed last year but no luck
I used to love to handle the different currencies whilst travelling through the countries to reach Italy and having the feel of being a millionaire when changing from sterling to lire.
Grand old dsys never to return - or will they.
Grand old dsys never to return - or will they.
- Mar 14, 2005
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As others have said, take some Euros and then use a switch card for cash from ATM's, and credit cards for fuel and shopping. I would suggest at least 200Euros - for tolls and "other expenses". Last January, I decided to stop at a service area on the A10. I drove up the slip road, and released my seat belt. As I entered the lorry park, I saw the gendarmes sitting in their car. By the time I reached an empty bay at the far end of the park, the police car was behind me. He wanted to see my V5, passport and driving licence. Having satisfied him with those, he then asked why I wasn't wearing my seatbelt. He wasn't interested in reasons - he just relieved me of 90Euros.
Last week I got some Euros for a forthcoming trip to Spain, I got them at the Thompson's travel agents, they asked me if I wanted the new Travellers Cheque card - apparently instead of carrying travellers cheques you use this debit card at all outlets displaying the American Express sign, you buy your Euro's or what ever currency you require and have the currency loaded into your card before travelling. Cards are reloadable for future trips and accepted at ATM's, shops, restaurants etc., you can check your balance when abroad and reload the card with additional funds if needed.
We usually take a few hundred quids worth of Euros and then top up using cash dispensers and Switch card as at home.
I order the cash from Currency Express on the internet and they seem to give the best rate and no commission if you order over
I order the cash from Currency Express on the internet and they seem to give the best rate and no commission if you order over
Those using Liverpool Victoria credit cards issued by Caravan Club, CSMA, Saga etc. should be aware that from March 1st (for CSMA cards) LV are charging interest on cash withdrawals from date of withdrawal to date of repayment. So withdraw cash as late in you statement month as you can.
Also be aware that despite advising LV that i should be using my card in Spain, it was suddenly blocked after quite normal use for 6 weeks. I had to use another card on less favourable terms, but LV have so far refused to compensate me for this loss.
Also be aware that despite advising LV that i should be using my card in Spain, it was suddenly blocked after quite normal use for 6 weeks. I had to use another card on less favourable terms, but LV have so far refused to compensate me for this loss.
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