What's your opinion on Traveller's Cheques?

**Precious26** · 03-24-2011, 03:01 PM

I will be leaving for Europe in 6 days I will be gone for a little over 2 weeks, I do have $500 for some spending, and I was wondering if it's worth for me to even bother getting Traveller's Cheques or not? What's your opinion?

**TigerGirl1226** · 03-24-2011, 03:23 PM

I recently wondered the same thing! We used them about 5 years ago and Germany without trouble. I'm not sure that they are stil as widely used as they once were.

Hopefully someone will have more input

**Englishlady** · 03-24-2011, 03:32 PM

I would take Euro's and a credit card, much easier to use the credit card for major purchases and you will probably need to use it in hotels anyway in much the same way it is "swiped" against possible room charges in North America.

Is $500 your total budget for food and other incidentals for the full two weeks? I hate to say it but, eating out in Europe is NOT cheap and you might find your $500 doesn't quite stretch to 2 weeks of European restaurant eating.

(A cup of coffee and a cake can set you back at least 10-12 Euro's)

When I go to North America I take more $ than I think I will need AND 2 credit cards, but then I do like to be prepared for any eventuality LOL!

**Contrary Housewife** · 03-24-2011, 05:07 PM

I'm not sure you can get traveller's checks any more. Best to call and see.

I just use my regular debit card and get local currency at the airport when we land. There are many places where you can get currency from an ATM (at banks, for example), and almost every tourist destination will have one.

I always alert my bank that I am traveling overseas, and the dates we will be gone.

And I agree with EnglishLady that $500 US will not get you far. It's a nice bit of cash for incidentals and souvenirs, but not for daily expenses.

**wanderlusting** · 03-24-2011, 05:15 PM

It's hard to find places that take traveller's checks nowadays. It may be more hassle than it's worth. I suggest the same as the other people- cash and credit/debit cards.

European ATM's don't charge a transaction fee (your bank may) and you get the international rate.

Is the $500 just for souvenirs/tours? If you're going to touristy areas, that won't last long.

**GoodThyming** · 03-24-2011, 05:29 PM

I had no problem using my ATM card abroad (let your bank know!). For some reason, I think you might need a 4 digit pin.

**Precious26** · 03-24-2011, 06:03 PM

Hi FV,

Thanks to all who have posted this far, I have set aside $2600.00 Cdn dollars for my trip for food and spending money in total. I guess I should also mention I am going on 11 day cruise. I just don't want to take too much money with me all at once just incase I get pick pocketed because this happens alot in some of the areas I will be in. We have done all our research on all the places we will see, and we have alloted about $80 Euros a day for expenses. I also have no problems in using my credit card, debit card. I have also notified my bank, credit card providers. Yes, that is correct you need 4 digits to be an international pin in order to use the ATM. I also found out it will cost me $5.00 Cdn from my back for each transaction.

**FrabjousDay** · 03-24-2011, 07:21 PM

It sounds like you're set. Have a wonderful trip!

**itsahumanzoo** · 03-24-2011, 07:25 PM

If you're worried about pick-pocketing, you can get one of those little money/document holders you wear around your neck under your clothes. My mother-in-law swears by those when she's in Europe. Sounds like you're pretty much set, so have fun!

**Spirit Deer** · 03-24-2011, 07:55 PM

I was going to suggest a zippered pocket made from thin material that could be worn around your waist under your clothes. You could put some money in there and/or other things that might be hard to replace if it was stolen, like a passport. It's similar to the pocket worn around the neck like mentioned above, only it's around the waist.

**lisaflex** · 03-24-2011, 08:54 PM

have a great trip

**Englishlady** · 03-25-2011, 05:51 AM

I would second a money wallet under the clothes for Europe, I wear one when I go to Europe and I keep just a small amount in my purse for a drink/meal etc.

If you need to get out a bit more cash do it in the ladies room in the privacy of the toilet

**The Muse** · 03-25-2011, 09:07 AM

Travelers checks are extremely old fashioned. Not to mention expensive and inconvenient. Don't bother.

I'd use a local ATM after you arrive.

Credit cards might be tricky, Euro cards have a chip in them and a lot of places won't take cards that don't have the chip. All places require a PIN.

Have a great trip. Where will you be going?

**monkeywrangler71** · 03-25-2011, 09:32 AM

Originally Posted by Precious26

I also have no problems in using my credit card, debit card. I have also notified my bank, credit card providers. Yes, that is correct you need 4 digits to be an international pin in order to use the ATM. I also found out it will cost me $5.00 Cdn from my back for each transaction.

The $5 fee is from the Plus system, that is on top of any transaction fee that your bank normally charges for withdrawals, plus the exchange. Check the fee on your credit card for foreign transactions, it's typically hidden in an exchange rate premium.

Is your card a chip & pin? I would think everyone had been switched by now, but some cashiers still treat me like I've got something unusual so maybe not.

Unfortunately, travellers cheques are the safest and cheapest way to move foreign currency, but they are now so difficult to negotiate that they've been rendered all but useless. Apparently you need to go to a bank or exchange in most places now, and they will charge a commission to cash them.

**Precious26** · 03-25-2011, 11:17 AM

Thank you, you all have some great ideas that I can follow. My two friends and I are going to Barcelona, Italy, France, Monaco, Turkey, and Greece. This trip has been planned since July of 2010, it's amazing how fast the time flew while having fun of course. I have the chip on both my debit and credit card so I shouldn't have a problem with that. My mother-in-law said I could borrow her money belt, or something very similar that I have put under my clothes, so I don't have to go out and purchase one. So far I think I am really considering not taking traveller's cheques.