50 replies to this topic

[Pedro Cerrano]

Sean (and others) what do you wear overseas to avoid pickpockets? I’ve heard they’re bad in Europe, especially in Paris and Florence. I may get one of those neck pouches from target or something and wear it around my neck. I’ll look like a dork but if I lose my wallet and passport, party’s over.

Also, when you need Euros do you just withdraw from an ATM? Looks like my bank (Wells Fargo) charges $5 per withdrawal, which sorta sucks.

[RShack]

Also, when you need Euros do you just withdraw from an ATM? Looks like my bank (Wells Fargo) charges $5 per withdrawal, which sorta sucks.

 

1.  Credit cards vary wildly about this... some don't charge anything... 

 

Big banks offer umpteen flavors of credit cards.... nose around and see if the cards that don't charge fees include a flavor your credit card bank offers... maybe you can swap over to something better....

 

https://thepointsguy...ansaction-fees/

 

https://www.moneyund...national-travel

 

2.  Also, rely on your credit card for spending whenever possible... you get a better conversion rate...

 

3.  If you are given a choice about whether you want your credit card transaction to be paid in dollars or the local currency, always pick the local currency, never pick dollars... it will save you from crazy conversion rates... credit cards don't hose you on that...

 

4.  For getting euros to spend, the ATM is the best way... unless your credit card screws you.... just take out enough that you're minimizing how often you use one...

 

5.  Be sure to call your credit card company ahead of time and let them know when you'll be there... it can save the embarrassment of having the transaction declined because they're afraid it's a bogus charge...  

 

6.  Ideally, you want to have both a Visa card and a Mastercard.... also, at least $100 US... because you never know...

[The Epic]

...who's Paris?

[NewMarketSean]

I carry enough cash for the day in my wallet and keep it in my front pocket while in a high-traffic crowded area or in a bookbag. Otherwise, I just keep it in the back pocket like normal. I had one of those pouches and as soon as I tried it on, I was like, "No. This isn't going to work." Uncomfortable and not practical.

 

I've ordered foreign currency from my bank before...but either way you're getting screwed on exchange rates and additional bank fees. Just one of those things you have to suck up. If you have time, get a CC that doesn't charge for international transactions and use that as much as you can. You really shouldn't need too much Euro in Paris. Everywhere accepts CC's so maybe just take out $200 when you get there and stretch it out.

[Pedro Cerrano]

Problem is don’t credit cards and banks charge a fee for an international transaction? I think my Wells Fargo card charges 3% per transaction.

[NewMarketSean]

Problem is don’t credit cards and banks charge a fee for an international transaction? I think my Wells Fargo card charges 3% per transaction.

 

So does our bank card from M&T. That's actually not that bad.

 

There are some CCs that don't charge them. We have a travel card that doesnt, and we rack up points and rewards when we use it while traveling.

[Pedro Cerrano]

I think I may mostly just use cash over there. I’ll take out a large sum and use that and not stress about fees and whatnot. I have a capital one credit card that I really only use for emergencies that I’ll bring but I have no idea what sort of fees they charge.

[NewMarketSean]

I think I may mostly just use cash over there. I’ll take out a large sum and use that and not stress about fees and whatnot. I have a capital one credit card that I really only use for emergencies that I’ll bring but I have no idea what sort of fees they charge.

 

Do what feels good, dude.

[McNulty]

I left the passport at home/hotel.  Small front pocket wallet, or a cell phone wallet.  

 

This one rules and I use it every day: https://www.amazon.c...0?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Dupin]

Problem is don’t credit cards and banks charge a fee for an international transaction? I think my Wells Fargo card charges 3% per transaction.

Some cards do, some cards don't. You'll have to check (if you have Wells Fargo cards they likely do).

It's harder to find a chip in pin card for over there. It makes some transactions more annoying.

[Pedro Cerrano]

Sad about Notre Dame Cathedral. Glad I got to go last year.