Whats the best way to carry money on vacation to Germany and UK from the US?

Question

Is it better to use a Visa, exchange US $ for cash, or Travellers Checks, or an ATM?

Answer 1

I have to agree with the credit card but i also suggest taking some cash or travelers checks... when i was there i ran to some stores that didnt take credit cards. Also with cash some places refuse to exchange money but the only time i had a problem was in Frankfurt and i noticed that some places like American Express and Western Union type places charged commissions, and with cash that you exchange you most likely wont get the same exchange rate every day.

Answer 2

I just went to Munich a month ago. I went to AAA and they sell a tip pack for $100 and it has the equivalent in euros (mine at the time had 71 euros) so when you arrive in Germany you will have money. What I also did was do a prepaid VISA card. What is good about it is that it has the same safety as travelers checks if you lose it or it is stolen and you can use it at ATMs and businesses. The majority of places in Germany won't take travelers checks at all and there are many places that don't even take credit cards or if they do they require you to spend at least 25-30 euros. You shouldn't have a problem finding an ATM and they are in English (I passed one everywhere I went). Since you don't want to walk around with large sums of money just go to an ATM each day and take some out. The exchange rates don't vary that much day to day so don't bother shopping around at different credit card companies. Oh and most American banks are clueless when it comes to foreign currency so if you want more help definitely go to a travel agency for help.

Also if you are buying a lot of souvenirs and you spend 25-30 euros depending on the store ask for the tax free sheet. As Americans we don't have to pay the EU tax. They will give you a sheet that you fill out and when you leave at the airport you will go and have it stamped and get all the taxes back that you spent. It saved me 15 euros.

Answer 3

You answered your own question. All of the above ,a combination is advised to fit locations and situations.I prefer sufficient amount of cash,travelers checks, and visa card for back-up.

Answer 4

most travel agencies would also advise Travellers Checks

Answer 5

I used ATMs most of the time, but found it VERY helpful to use the American Express traveller's card.  You pay it ahead of time, like a traveller's check, but they exchange the money to Euros so it is easy to keep the balance straight.  You can use it like a credit card anywhere they accept AMEX, and if you have money left at the end of your trip, you get it back in american dollars.  Fabulous, really made a difference for me.

Answer 6

I'm a US citizen living in Italy, & I have traveled to both Germany & the UK.  I add another vote to plastic--using a credit or debit card, or hitting an ATM when you need cash, is easier than trying to deal with travelers checks.  I would add in that if you choose that route, be sure to contact your bank BEFORE you leave, for 2 reasons:  1, some banks (not all) need to activate your card for international use, which doesn't cost anything, it's just a security feature, & 2, simply to inform them of your travel plans.  If you buy something one day in the States with your card, & then the next day come charges from Europe, the bank may freeze the account as this is a red flag that your card has been stolen.  Easier to let them know than have your card declined repeatedly & unexpectedly.  :)  Jess

Answer 7

These days it is easier to take plastic. All European ATM systems use Maestro and Sirrus which makes it easy to get local currency and obtain the amount you need. You also don't need to bother about bank opening times as you do with checks. Downside is that you need to shop around for the best deal as card companies charge for conversion as well as interest. This can be got around to some extent by having your card in credit before you go. I go to France a lot and find it the easiest way as it saves queueing and carting around my passport.

Answer 8

ATM.  It's easier than travellers checks and cheaper than exchanging money.  Also, some places won't take American credit cards, so cash is your best bet.

You can go to visa.com and follow the links to get specific visa ATM locations anywhere in the world.