What's the best way to pay for things while traveling in Europe? Traveler's cheques, debit or credit cards?

Question

I'm going to be in Europe for over a month and I don't want to get fee'd to death with every transaction. Should I just pay the 1% fee for travelers cheques and avoid the debit/credit card transaction and foreign conversion fee's? Any advice is appreciated!

Answer 1

i was faced with this question too and here is my experience with the different options u have listed.

i was travelling to Lugo spain and they do not cash travellers checks there in any of the banks as there were a lot of fraud cases of the same. so if u r planning to go to places in europe which is not a major city then this option in highly NOT reccomended.... you would just end up with Euro travellers Checks for u to take back home if u can get home :)

With credit cards you are always at the receiving end as they post the transaction when the forex rate is the best for the banks. hence i would not recommend this option either.

Best option is carry 2 debit cards one maestro and the other Visa electron. you can withdraw money from almost anywhere and use the same. If u really cannot do this then go with the credit card option. its anyday better than a TC.

Answer 2

I was there for two months, rule of thumb, traveler's cheques are not accepted everywhere, which puts them at a disadvantage, conversion fees will vary and are usually high, use your credit card...visa or mastercard, in case there are any problems you can dispute them and the credit card companies will rule in your favor. Buy the way there is a new social site called "itsPopin.com" thats in beta this week, sign up and let us know about your trip and post pictures, tell your friends, its your world, live it. Help spread the word!

Answer 3

Travelers checks are being phased out, and not all places accept them.  

I always use my debit card in the ATMs to get cash (if you use a credit card, it's considered a cash advance and carries a high interest rate), and credit card for large purchases (for protection).

Answer 4

In the past, I always  used a credit card because the exchange rate was more realistic (better) than traveler's checks. But at the time, my credit card did not charge a conversion fee. I don't know if it does now! Also, not all places accept traveler's checks.

Answer 5

i would use your debit/credit card....that way you don't have to worry about the conversion to euros, it is all done through the computer.  then use your debit card at an ATM to get out some cash euros, just in case.