Check with your bank. When I went to Australia last year, I could use my "eftpos" card (I think that's the same as a debit card) at ATMs but not in shops. Apparently if I'd gone to my bank first then it could've worked just as it does here in NZ.
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How to spend money in a different country?
- Thread starter katie ta achoo
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Maybe I've always just been lucky but when I travel I just take my normal 'Maestro', debit card and my 'MasterCard' credit card and have never had a problem finding an ATM that would accept either, or a retailer for that matter.
Maybe that's because my MC is a 'Gold' card
(clerical error by my bank which they corrected as far as the facilities and APR's etc. go but have never replaced the beautiful shiny card It's OOD from Nov so I'll probably be relegated to a boring drab grey one again)
Like others have said conact your card provider and tell them where and when you're going or they might not authorise out of character transactions, I've had that happen and while all it takes is a phone call you look dodgy at the front of the que. Also if your card has a chip facility you'll need to know your PIN to use it in most retailers now.
Maybe that's because my MC is a 'Gold' card
(clerical error by my bank which they corrected as far as the facilities and APR's etc. go but have never replaced the beautiful shiny card It's OOD from Nov so I'll probably be relegated to a boring drab grey one again)Like others have said conact your card provider and tell them where and when you're going or they might not authorise out of character transactions, I've had that happen and while all it takes is a phone call you look dodgy at the front of the que. Also if your card has a chip facility you'll need to know your PIN to use it in most retailers now.
Couldn't your parents get an additional card for you based on one of their credit card accounts? That's what my daughter did when she was based in France for 6 months as part of her college course.
They'd have to trust you not to go wild with it, but you sound like a trustworthy sort of person.
They'd have to trust you not to go wild with it, but you sound like a trustworthy sort of person.
Check with your bank. Some debit/VISA/MC issued by the banks will be free of extra charges for overseas use.
OMG KT so many responses, so many opinions!
What does the company who is setting up this trip say about carrying cash?
Perhaps, since you're in a city with an international airport, you could visit some agency at the airport that could explain best options for you. Or a travel agency...or the travel agency who's handling this trip! Augh! I'm getting a headache, too.
What does the company who is setting up this trip say about carrying cash?
Perhaps, since you're in a city with an international airport, you could visit some agency at the airport that could explain best options for you. Or a travel agency...or the travel agency who's handling this trip! Augh! I'm getting a headache, too.
riciad said:
FWIW http://www.visabuxx.com is designed for teens with parents in control.
garybUK said:
So it's not just France, eh? Must not be true in hotels where Americans stay or we'd hear lots of horror stories.
B
Not 100% true, you CAN use a card without a 'chip' in the vast majority, if not all, places where they take VISA/MC/Cirrus etc. but if your card has a 'chip' you won't be able to use it without a PIN.garybUK said:
Some retailers have opted not to install updates to their hard/software so they'll also still accept cards with or without a 'chip' and have you sign. But you might have more problems with these retailers if they think you're even a little suspect as by opting out they accept a greater level of risk when they take a card being used fraudulently.
I went to Prague in 2001 on the least organised trip ever. On the Monday at 1300, I was asked if I wanted to go to Prague, and I said yes. The same day at 1700 we boarded the bus to get from Paris to Prague, with nothing at all to aid us. No hotel booked. We didn't speak a word of the language. And, it goes without saying, we didn't have any currency at all. Not a koruna.
The answer is simple - cashpoints, or as the Americans call them, ATMs. Go there, withdraw cash. There is a small conversion charge from your bank, as well as an international withdrawal fee, but it's no different to what a travel agent would charge you. From the cashpoint you know the cash you're getting is legit, and you can get it out almost instantly from almost anywhere, because they're everywhere. By all means use your credit card for larger purchases, but as regards cash, this is the best way.
Prague is the most gorgeous city I've ever been to, and sadly I lost my camera with almost all my pics on it shortly afterwards, so I need to go back. Can I come?
The answer is simple - cashpoints, or as the Americans call them, ATMs. Go there, withdraw cash. There is a small conversion charge from your bank, as well as an international withdrawal fee, but it's no different to what a travel agent would charge you. From the cashpoint you know the cash you're getting is legit, and you can get it out almost instantly from almost anywhere, because they're everywhere. By all means use your credit card for larger purchases, but as regards cash, this is the best way.
Prague is the most gorgeous city I've ever been to, and sadly I lost my camera with almost all my pics on it shortly afterwards, so I need to go back. Can I come?
I use traveller's checks sparingly. They're nice because at least you can cancel and replace them easily, if needed. Generally, I use my debit card to pull money out of my account and just use cash when I can. I'll use my credit card if I have to. If you have a Visa or Mastercard check card then you can use it both like a credit or debit card. As has already been mentioned, try to minimize the number of times you have to go to the ATM so as to reduce the fees you'll have to pay. Credit cards are nice because they do offer protection (as has already been mentioned), but debit cards to pull cash out, I think, are the best way to go overall as long as you can figure out reasonably well how much you plan to spend in each place.
Take a money belt with you. That way you can store your passport (you can use that as a valid ID whenever they ask for it), extra money, and credit cards securely when you're out. Heaven forbid, you get mugged, but, if you do, at least with a money belt you can theoretically protect most of your money and important documents. Money belts attach to a belt and they are stored on the inside of your clothes (not in your pockets). Carry just what you think you'll need in another wallet you keep in your pocket (front pocket storage is best to avoid pocket thieves) or bag (again stored deep inside to avoid someone easily snatching it out quickly). Only resort to using what's in the money belt if you have to. Otherwise just stick to using the money in the other wallet. That way no one will know that you have money elsewhere.
Take a money belt with you. That way you can store your passport (you can use that as a valid ID whenever they ask for it), extra money, and credit cards securely when you're out. Heaven forbid, you get mugged, but, if you do, at least with a money belt you can theoretically protect most of your money and important documents. Money belts attach to a belt and they are stored on the inside of your clothes (not in your pockets). Carry just what you think you'll need in another wallet you keep in your pocket (front pocket storage is best to avoid pocket thieves) or bag (again stored deep inside to avoid someone easily snatching it out quickly). Only resort to using what's in the money belt if you have to. Otherwise just stick to using the money in the other wallet. That way no one will know that you have money elsewhere.
Awesome.. THANKS! I <3 MacRumors.. y'all are really more than stupid Mac Nerds.
I think I will go the cash + debit route. I need to go to the bank and ask them what's up.
It's just a whole thing.. I'm financially responsible, but since I'm still a minor (only by 2 months!) I have to have my mother with me; my account is under hers, and she is currently healing from surgery. (she's doing AWESOME btw. she came home 2 days early.)
it's just gonna be gross because I'm in school for most of the usual business hours.
Maybe I'll drive over there tomorrow and ask about it.
Would it be bad to keep a roll of extra cash in my violin case? That thing will be with me constantly; there's no way it'll walk off.
the travel angency hasn't really said anything else. They're coming tomorrow to talk to the group. (i'm going with my symphony. about 60 other people.)
Everything is paid for except for lunch and souvenirs, so I don't need to worry about rooms, cars (mmm.. bus.) or health insurance. it's all taken care of.
oh, and you'd better believe my flickr will be FULL of pictures when I get back! I have a camera connector for my 4G iPod, so I'll have a "30 gig" memory card. I'm also offering the use of it to other people, so I'll have so many more pics than I would on my own.
You'll be SO SICK of seeing Europe by the time I'm done uploading it all to flickr.
EE!!! 16 days!
*squeals like a little girl*
PS
edit
afterthought
instead of a money belt, I've been known to just stick money in my bra. Would a money belt be better?
No, I am not joking.
Yes, I have pulled a $5 out of my shirt to pay for a Starbucks.
Yes, I've done that on more than one occasion.
No, I'm not ashamed of it. I'm using my facilities to my advantage. HA.
I <3 MacRumors.. y'all are really more than stupid Mac Nerds. I think I will go the cash + debit route. I need to go to the bank and ask them what's up.
It's just a whole thing.. I'm financially responsible, but since I'm still a minor (only by 2 months!) I have to have my mother with me; my account is under hers, and she is currently healing from surgery. (she's doing AWESOME btw. she came home 2 days early.)
it's just gonna be gross because I'm in school for most of the usual business hours.
Maybe I'll drive over there tomorrow and ask about it.
Would it be bad to keep a roll of extra cash in my violin case? That thing will be with me constantly; there's no way it'll walk off.
the travel angency hasn't really said anything else. They're coming tomorrow to talk to the group. (i'm going with my symphony. about 60 other people.)
Everything is paid for except for lunch and souvenirs, so I don't need to worry about rooms, cars (mmm.. bus.) or health insurance. it's all taken care of.
oh, and you'd better believe my flickr will be FULL of pictures when I get back! I have a camera connector for my 4G iPod, so I'll have a "30 gig" memory card. I'm also offering the use of it to other people, so I'll have so many more pics than I would on my own.
You'll be SO SICK of seeing Europe by the time I'm done uploading it all to flickr.
EE!!! 16 days!
*squeals like a little girl*
PS
edit
afterthought
instead of a money belt, I've been known to just stick money in my bra. Would a money belt be better?
No, I am not joking.
Yes, I have pulled a $5 out of my shirt to pay for a Starbucks.
Yes, I've done that on more than one occasion.
No, I'm not ashamed of it. I'm using my facilities to my advantage. HA.
ah, that's handy. definitely makes the money situation easier.katie ta achoo said:
my advice is to use your hard currency (USD & Euro) as a last resort, 'cuz everyone will accept it. i.e. always try electronic payment first. this has saved me a number of times.
katie ta achoo said:
Well... if you have boobs big enough to also hide your passport and other important documents then fine. I, for one, do not have that luxury. My shirts would look very angular if I did that--stuff jutting out all over the place....
floriflee said:Well... if you have boobs big enough to also hide your passport and other important documents then fine. I, for one, do not have that luxury. My shirts would look very angular if I did that--stuff jutting out all over the place....
nonono! Just cash!!
I'm not a big, rectangular Robot...
L
Lau
Guest
katie ta achoo said:
There you go. The Bra Stash. Just goes to show, you can buy anything.
You could make one though, I know you're the crafty type.
Lau said:
There you go. The Bra Stash. Just goes to show, you can buy anything.
You could make one though, I know you're the crafty type.
I hope you don't have to open up your shirt like that to take your money out. Could make for some very uncomfortable situations.
Edit: I guess whether your use the bra stash or the money belt you're either digging in your shirt or digging in your pants. Hard to look graceful in either situation.
Hee, hee, the "bra stash...." LOL!
I think it would be better to have a money belt tucked under your jeans or skirts and then just carry a minimal amount of cash "openly," preferably in a waist bag or as you suggested, in your violin case, rather than having a purse dangling temptingly from your shoulder.
Be sure to take a look at the travel thread that ChipNoVaMac started a while back. It's in Community Discussion somewhere further down... There are some good suggestions in there for packing and such.
I think it would be better to have a money belt tucked under your jeans or skirts and then just carry a minimal amount of cash "openly," preferably in a waist bag or as you suggested, in your violin case, rather than having a purse dangling temptingly from your shoulder.
Be sure to take a look at the travel thread that ChipNoVaMac started a while back. It's in Community Discussion somewhere further down... There are some good suggestions in there for packing and such.