How Much Money to Take To Europe – Answers Mature Luxury Travelers Looking For

The Traveler’s Dilemma on How Much Money to Take to Europe

How much money to take to Europe is one of the most frequently asked questions by our clients, when they are getting ready to leave on their vacation.  Of course, the type of travel they have booked will make a big difference in the amount they will need for out of pocket expenses.

With a tour that has most of the costs prepaid before leaving, additional spending is likely to be for personal items and souvenirs.  How much money to take to Europe will then be determined by the few meals or optional excursions that will be paid for while there.

For a customized trip with flexible scheduling and no meals included, the amount needed to cover these vacation costs will be much higher.

Ways to Determine How Much Money to Take to Europe

Although Traveler’s Checks used to be recommended for deciding on how much money to take to Europe, they are now difficult to cash and must be taken to a bank to exchange for euros.  The two most secure and convenient ways to have euros when you need them are by using a credit card and your ATM card.

There are at least two credit cards which will not charge an international transaction fee, usually of 3 per cent, on each purchase and which will help you decide on how much money to take to Europe.  You  can check the advantages of having a Capital One Card or a Barclay’s Master Card without paying  transaction fees.

An ATM card allows you to withdraw up to $500 per day from your account and helps you calculate how much money to take to Europe.  ATM machines are readily available in all major cities, although not all machines will accept your bank’s card.  It is important to have a four digit code number to use with your card in European ATM machines.  If you are anticipating a cash payment over $500 for your hotel or a private excursion, you will want to determine how much money to take to Europe and plan ahead to withdraw the maximum amount allowed from the ATM for several days in advance.

Safeguarding Your Credit Cards and Cash

It is a good idea to take two credit cards with you when deciding how much money to take to Europe and keep them in different secure places, in case something happens to one of them.  A money belt is a smart way to protect your credit cards and passport, when you do not have a safe to leave them in.  By also carrying a copy of the credit card company’s contact numbers for a lost or stolen card with you, you can quickly stop anyone from making illegal charges on your account.

A moderate supply of dollars can also be taken for emergencies and safely kept in your money belt, in case there are difficulties with both the designated ATM card and credit card.  If they are exchanged at a hotel, the rate is usually less favorable than if you take them to a bank to exchange.  However, there will still be an exchange fee

Other Considerations on How Much Money to Take to Europe

If you are likely to have immediate expenses, such as a taxi, upon arriving in Europe and do not want to worry about finding an ATM machine at the airport, you can buy some euros to take with you.  This will probably be the most expensive exchange rate charged, so it is best not to buy more than you will need for your arrival expenditures.

As with all money transactions in Europe, it is important to be careful when making purchases and counting your change, so your trip will not have additional unintended costs that benefit others but not you.

How do you prefer to pay for most of your expenses when traveling in Europe?

If you would like to learn more ways to travel well in Europe, contact us for our 20 minute complimentary travel consultation.