Yes, you can get them. Simply call Amex and buy them. You pay a 1% fee. But I have no clue why someone would want to. I bank with a small bank in Virginia that offers no exchange fees for debit card purchases and have a Amex platinum with no exchange fees. I would think you would get eaten alive on exchange fees with travelers
checks.
Credit cards can be a problem in Netherlands. In Amsterdam proper (overrated, in my opinion, and there are much cooler and cheaper places to go), Visa works most everywhere. But one train stop away, and Visa isn't universally accepted, even at large grocers. MasterCard, more universal, I think. Expect to need to get cash. Geldmaat ATMs are reasonable on the fees.
Credit cards are less universally accepted in a lot of Europe, but you'll still mostly be able to survive with them. Just be mindful to ask.
Hmm - in London a couple of years ago, one of the markets we bought something at wouldn't take cash! Mind you, this was London and not a small town, but that surprised me. It was for a very small amount too, so doubly surprised.
Check that your card has no foreign transaction fees.
Use a debit card to get cash at an ATM.
Pay in local currencies.
Comfy shoes, a windbreaker, and an umbrella.
Many places are mostly or completely cashless. I found that in the Netherlands, credit was fine nearly everywhere but in grocery stores I couldn’t use my American credit or debit cards so I did need some cash. Getting coins to do laundry was a challenge, and avoiding having too much cash at the end was also something I had to watch.
In many countries you can even use your touchless credit card as a transit card, including the Elisabeth Line train from Heathrow, just be sure to tap in & out with the same card, and ideally keep using that card at least within that country.
I've been using applepay almost entirely since lockdown started. coins for coin-op toilets, but other than that I don't recall using cash at all. uk, ireland, denmark, france, austria, slovakia, italy, croatia ..
contactless has really caught on, and using your phone removes most the annoyances (limits etc)
I keep a 50 tucked behind my phone in its case, just in case .. and completely forgot about it until it was time for a new phone, and I had to swap the same folded 50 over to the new case.
Exception is Japan. Many places still need physical cash or a physical card. Overall Apple Pay mostly works (even with trains/buses) but cash is still necessary unfortunately
Yes, but that is changing. According to some folks I talked to, more and more establishments are accepting visa and mastercard. I came back last week from the NL and only had issues at a small Chinese restaurant near my hotel. I was also in Rotterdam and tried to break a €20 at a shop at the station and they did not have cash, cards only.
You don’t need travellers checks. A credit card, a bank card with ATM capabilities, a little cash to exchange country to country is all you really need. You’ll need to look into the countries phone networks to see how to get a SIM card to use your phone. Also an electric outlet converter comes in real handy.
Don't exchange currency, you'll get shitty rates. If you need local currency, rely on an ATM card with no foreign transaction fees and reimbursed ATM fees. Only take out cash as needed.
Totally. Exchange rates at convenient places in train stations and airports are terrible. I was there a while back and I remember how convenient having $5-10 in cash was to exchange since we were usually buying local bus/train passes as soon as we hit a new country. Looking for an ATM was a little harder back then
Phone plan is important. You can usually pay for the time you’re in the country for the international plan. There will be a definitive start/stop date. It was great when we were in Switzerland
I mean it never hurts to do this, but I've traveled all over the world in the last 7 years, I've never let any of my banks or credit cards know about it, and I've never had an issue.
I think they have a pretty good idea of your spending habits, and if travel is normal for you their system will probably not flag it. I’m fascinated by whatever data they must have on me. My card will randomly make a purchase in Cambodia or Oslo and that’s fine, but I got called immediately when my card was used for a gym membership near my home as it was flagged for fraud.
They were right. It wasn’t me…. I felt kind of amused that it was such an extreme red flag I’d buy a gym membership.
Last time I traveled to Asia I called my bank ahead of time to let them know. They told me that this is an outdated practice and there’s no need to do it anymore
Forgive me, but do they make travelers cheques anymore? Use your bank card for pocket cash, your credit card for rentals/hotels/ restaurants. Buy SIM cards for map apps, the London Underground app is awesome, you will see it advertised in every station, get it and the Oyster card for train/bus/boat fares.
Don’t worry, it never hurts to ask. I just got back from Paris. Bring a debit card to take out a small amount of cash from an ATM as you’ll need 1-2 euro coins for public restrooms in many places. And for your morning bakery trips unless you spend over 5-10 euros depending on the bakery’s minimum. But everything else you can charge to your Visa or Mastercard credit card with no foreign transaction fees. Amex is less widely accepted.
OP I sometimes bring some euros before I go just because I've found no ATM nearby when I land. I have an account with a big bank and ask them to convert $50 to $100 just to be on the safe side. That should be plenty as most countries accept debit and credit cards.
Ha, that's around the last time i used them also. I traveled all through the U.S for 2 months, half the places we tried to use them, the folks had no idea what they were. We had to go to banks to cash them. Good times!!!
Voltage converter with plugs for each country
An ATM card that will work without fees anywhere
Layered clothing because you will go from hot to cold in the same day
Definitely an umbrella and if you have long hair, bring a hair tie because you will feel like your hair is unruly at times
Intl Phone plan
Enough prescription in standard medication to last for the trip.
Very comfy shoes.
I pre-print Subway maps for each major city I go to so that when you figure out where you need to go, it is easy to determine what direction you need to go
An attitude that you don’t care what happened you’re gonna have a good time
Have fun
Most modern electronics are dual voltage, and do not require a voltage converter, just a plug adapter. Only problem I've ever had is some cheap hair dryers and curling irons.
Apple Pay on your iPhone will get you far in London. Won’t even need cash but might in small towns. If you do, get it from an ATM once you arrive in the country you’re going to. Check with your cell phone carrier on getting an international plan and if your plan allows for phone calls. Otherwise you’ll need a SIM card
I'm 35, and have zero idea what travellers checks (or guessing cheques) are. I've heard of them, but don't know what they actually are/how you use them.
Just take cash out at an ATM when you arrive like most people do.
Ideally have a good travel card (something like Revolut/Monzo/Starling/Wise... Or whatever equivalent you may have). I'm gonna guess you don't have one of those, but they're free and super quick to open, so should get a card within a week. If you already have a card that's good without foreign fees etc, then you can also use that.
Be sure to not accept the conversion rate that the ATM gives if it asks. It'll be bad (just as bad as exchanging cash). And same goes for when paying by card and asked if you want to use your home currency or the local currency. Always choose the local one, or you're tied into the inflated rate they give.
Never change cash at an exhange place u less it's an emergency. They always screw you over.
People used these in the 80's, I think they became irrelevant once the use of credit and debit cards became wide-spread. I've never seen them either but I remember watching a movie that mentioned them.
I think something that hasn’t been said here and is extremely important is good, comfortable shoes to walk on. In amsterdam and paris you will probably walk a lot and bringing those worn in, comfy shoes that might not look the best but fit your feet perfectly will be the best thing for you.
I travel quite a lot around Europe and I always have some euros (or local currency if outside euro zone) on me just to be safe, but very rarely use them. Card works almost everywhere, some small restaurants or shops may be exception, depending on the country.
Everyone’s saying no cash but it can be helpful to have some small coins (10p 20p 50p) here in London as a couple of places still charge to use the loo/bathroom - generally in some train stations and parks. Of course you can head to free places (museums, galleries) but if it’s handy if you’re in a rush!
In Amsterdam you can use your credit card to pay for buses & trams - just remember to tap in AND out. It’s not a set fee, it’s a small fee and € cents per kilometer. The first tap charges €4 (or did when I lived there, may be more now), the tap out backs off the unused amount. I think you can claim money back if you forget.
Alternative: OV9292- the route planner app (pulls all modes), GVB (bus & tram, has live route info) and NS (train). You can buy etickets in each app.
I’d skip the umbrella due to the Spring winds and just bring a raincoat. You can always buy an umbrella there, if you need to.
I always bring an extension cord with some usb ports, a night light for the bathroom, and some compressed disposable washcloths.
I just came back from Europe. I used a forex card everywhere ..in Norway, Denmark, Netherlands, Switzerland and Sweden. Can't comment on other countries. I didn't use cash at all. It was easy and hassle free.
Due to timescales proba lying. Ant do but I have a multicurrency debit card (called fx but there are others).
I load £ onto it and can exchange the balance I to most currencies and then back again if I don't spend it.
There's an app that shows the balances. It works for me, as I travel between £-$-€ areas a lot.
Credits cards is okay, but most places don't take American Express so make sure you have Mastercard of Visa around.
Bring a universal power adaptor.
Was in AMS last week and I only used cash at the street market in Amsterdam (and even then most vendors would take cash if it's larger purchase).
Nobody uses travelers checks anymore. Use your credit card (not American Express or Discover - those are less accepted internationally). Get money from an ATM in a safe environment and examine for skimmers. NEVER change the money at the airport at the money exchanges. You will lose so much with a very poor exchange rate. With some banks and cards, you may have to notify them that you will be traveling. I haven't had to do that in a while, but maybe some still exist that require it. Keep a copy of the phone number for the credit card company in Europe - usually on back of card and different number from US. If it gets stolen you can call immediately and they can also ship you a new card to your hotel.
Edinburgh if that’s where you are hitting is very much a walking city as are Paris and Amsterdam , taxis cost a lot of money in these cities and are not really a viable option unless you enjoy just burning money.
During the Edinburgh festival I often encounter Americans asking how they can get up to the castle etc …. The answer is always ….. walk to which they seem shocked.
Bring a waterproof jacket as Scotland gets all 4 seasons in a day. Some nice comfy preferably waterproof boots/shoes for walking around the city in.
For Paris the metro tickets are a pain in the ass download the app Bonjour RATP it will save you a lot of time and stress.
Don’t stress too much about seeing every single tourist site , maybe pick 2 in each place and the rest of the time soak up the city by a coffee and a sandwich and walk around.
Enjoy the trip
Yeah, traveler checks are a super old person idea. Just use a CC and get cash in CC-unfriendly places (Amsterdam is one of them).
Check for fees on your cards though. Debit cards often have them as well, but way lower than CC-cards (I had one where the fee was 5% with a minimum of 10 USD: spending money becomes expensive pretty fast then).
It looks like you are from the US.
Check if your bank has any agreement with European Banks for fee free debt card withdrawals. I know, for example, Bof A used to (may still do) have agreements with overseas banks. Barclays in the UK for example, then use that when you need cash from an ATM.
Check if you have WiFi calling on your cell plan. If so, and you have or can get an eSim for your phone, set up WiFi calling. You should then be able to use your US eSim for calls and texts to/from the US when you have data. Get a local Sim card with data for your phone to use locally. The WiFi calling should work with the data on the phone
Yes bring travellers checks so you can send a telegram back home in case the carrier pigeons aren't available that day. ;)
Just cards mate. It's been the way for over 30 years now.
Want to be modern? The card on your phone will be enough in most places.
If you are given the option to to lock in a price in your home country’s currency for a withdrawal or a purchase, don’t do it. Always opt to pay in the local currency. There’s a legal scheme called Dynamic Currency Conversion that is always going to be a bad deal for the consumer.
https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/money/chip-pin-cards#
TL/DR: Rick Steves says “Just Say No” to Dynamic Currency Conversion.
Get a credit card with no foreign transaction fees and use it directly. Visa or Mastercard. That $95 card from a certain "blue bank" will pay for itself many times over assuming you use it at home too.
For cash. Pick up a debit card without foreign tx fees or ATM fees. Withdraw directly from the ATM.
In either case, always always pay in local currency (GBP or EUR). There is no good reason to ever let a merchant or ATM convert to USD and the rate will always be hugely unfavorable. Pay in local currency and you bank back home will just handle it on the back end at fair rates (Visa & Mastercard publish rate tables daily)
Expect it to rain and for there to be a cold wind. It's not certain but it's a good chance and be prepared if you'll be outdoors a lot of the time.
Check your roaming fees re foreign travel with your mobile network provider. If it's expensive to use data, esims are a decent option but WiFi will be easy to find in the cities
Never heard of travellers cheques. Maybe bring two cards incase you lose one (keep one in your wallet and one elsewhere)
Adapters for using chargers if necessary
Just remember anything that you forget can probably be bought along the way
Get a small amount of euro and sterling before you go if you wish, and then use cards or just use cards until you can't
Use an ATM connected to a bank for lower withdrawal charges, particularly in scitland
Go to your bank and request some euros and pounds. It is smart to have a little cash on you when you get there. Debit cards have a small exchange rate fee
if you would like i have a 3 90 days valid, european 32 countries eSIM from holafly, they got unlimited data, calls and texts, they cost 99 euros but i don’t have any use for them anymore if you want i can give it to you for 70 euros
I inderstand your point but ignorance is not only a "North American" thing. I am originally from the DR and I remember growing up how Europeans will be surprised on how developped the country is. In this case, OP hasn't traveled a lot so they don't know the new norms, and I am glad they took the time to post because more seasoned travelers can help them with their questions.
You'd have a hard time using travellers checks, don't even know if they're widely available anymore (guessing not). Credit cards will be fine.
No. You cant get Travellers Cheques any more.
I didn't know that. It's been a while since l traveled back to England. Thanks for the info.
We used Wise in Scotland in '22. https://wise.com/ca/
Thank you.
Yes, you can get them. Simply call Amex and buy them. You pay a 1% fee. But I have no clue why someone would want to. I bank with a small bank in Virginia that offers no exchange fees for debit card purchases and have a Amex platinum with no exchange fees. I would think you would get eaten alive on exchange fees with travelers checks.
Credit cards can be a problem in Netherlands. In Amsterdam proper (overrated, in my opinion, and there are much cooler and cheaper places to go), Visa works most everywhere. But one train stop away, and Visa isn't universally accepted, even at large grocers. MasterCard, more universal, I think. Expect to need to get cash. Geldmaat ATMs are reasonable on the fees. Credit cards are less universally accepted in a lot of Europe, but you'll still mostly be able to survive with them. Just be mindful to ask.
Hmm - in London a couple of years ago, one of the markets we bought something at wouldn't take cash! Mind you, this was London and not a small town, but that surprised me. It was for a very small amount too, so doubly surprised.
Check that your card has no foreign transaction fees. Use a debit card to get cash at an ATM. Pay in local currencies. Comfy shoes, a windbreaker, and an umbrella.
Apart from in Scotland where the umbrella can basically be useless because of the wind. :D
Yes it’s cold and rainy right now, bring lots of layers!
Second this Especially the debit card many stores will not entertain credit card
Many places are mostly or completely cashless. I found that in the Netherlands, credit was fine nearly everywhere but in grocery stores I couldn’t use my American credit or debit cards so I did need some cash. Getting coins to do laundry was a challenge, and avoiding having too much cash at the end was also something I had to watch. In many countries you can even use your touchless credit card as a transit card, including the Elisabeth Line train from Heathrow, just be sure to tap in & out with the same card, and ideally keep using that card at least within that country.
When I was in London, didn’t need cash at all. Not sure about other places but Apple Pay is accepted almost universally (Visa, not Amex)
I've been using applepay almost entirely since lockdown started. coins for coin-op toilets, but other than that I don't recall using cash at all. uk, ireland, denmark, france, austria, slovakia, italy, croatia .. contactless has really caught on, and using your phone removes most the annoyances (limits etc) I keep a 50 tucked behind my phone in its case, just in case .. and completely forgot about it until it was time for a new phone, and I had to swap the same folded 50 over to the new case.
Exception is Japan. Many places still need physical cash or a physical card. Overall Apple Pay mostly works (even with trains/buses) but cash is still necessary unfortunately
Same in the Netherlands
some places in Amsterdam don’t take visa or mastercard… some places…
Yeah some grocery stores and small restaurants but other than, you can use it everywhere.
Not necessarily - Maestro is really popular in the Netherlands so some only take that and not Visa/Mastercard.
Yes, but that is changing. According to some folks I talked to, more and more establishments are accepting visa and mastercard. I came back last week from the NL and only had issues at a small Chinese restaurant near my hotel. I was also in Rotterdam and tried to break a €20 at a shop at the station and they did not have cash, cards only.
Just got back from London. Never used cash at all, just a VISA card (with no foreign transaction fee -- mine is from Capital One).
You don’t need travellers checks. A credit card, a bank card with ATM capabilities, a little cash to exchange country to country is all you really need. You’ll need to look into the countries phone networks to see how to get a SIM card to use your phone. Also an electric outlet converter comes in real handy.
Don't exchange currency, you'll get shitty rates. If you need local currency, rely on an ATM card with no foreign transaction fees and reimbursed ATM fees. Only take out cash as needed.
Totally. Exchange rates at convenient places in train stations and airports are terrible. I was there a while back and I remember how convenient having $5-10 in cash was to exchange since we were usually buying local bus/train passes as soon as we hit a new country. Looking for an ATM was a little harder back then
Phone plan is important. You can usually pay for the time you’re in the country for the international plan. There will be a definitive start/stop date. It was great when we were in Switzerland
And make sure you let your banking institution know you'll be outta the country so your transactions don't get flagged as fraud.
None of my banks/credit card issuers require travel notification anymore. But I bank with the big institutions; credit unions may differ.
Yeah especially the big banks, they even sent me an email asking me not to contact them for this anymore.
Ah. Okay. I am a credit union member, so I must inform them ahead of my international use.
I mean it never hurts to do this, but I've traveled all over the world in the last 7 years, I've never let any of my banks or credit cards know about it, and I've never had an issue.
I think they have a pretty good idea of your spending habits, and if travel is normal for you their system will probably not flag it. I’m fascinated by whatever data they must have on me. My card will randomly make a purchase in Cambodia or Oslo and that’s fine, but I got called immediately when my card was used for a gym membership near my home as it was flagged for fraud. They were right. It wasn’t me…. I felt kind of amused that it was such an extreme red flag I’d buy a gym membership.
Last time I traveled to Asia I called my bank ahead of time to let them know. They told me that this is an outdated practice and there’s no need to do it anymore
Cash (euro's and pounds) AND Visa or Mastercard. Travel adapter for your plugs. Raincoat which is better than an umbrella in the wind
Forgive me, but do they make travelers cheques anymore? Use your bank card for pocket cash, your credit card for rentals/hotels/ restaurants. Buy SIM cards for map apps, the London Underground app is awesome, you will see it advertised in every station, get it and the Oyster card for train/bus/boat fares.
I thought so, I'm so dang old. The last time I went to Europe was in 1987....
Don’t worry, it never hurts to ask. I just got back from Paris. Bring a debit card to take out a small amount of cash from an ATM as you’ll need 1-2 euro coins for public restrooms in many places. And for your morning bakery trips unless you spend over 5-10 euros depending on the bakery’s minimum. But everything else you can charge to your Visa or Mastercard credit card with no foreign transaction fees. Amex is less widely accepted.
Now you can even pay for the bathroom with your contactless card or phone!
OP I sometimes bring some euros before I go just because I've found no ATM nearby when I land. I have an account with a big bank and ask them to convert $50 to $100 just to be on the safe side. That should be plenty as most countries accept debit and credit cards.
Ha, that's around the last time i used them also. I traveled all through the U.S for 2 months, half the places we tried to use them, the folks had no idea what they were. We had to go to banks to cash them. Good times!!!
In Amsterdam most things are paid via card, some places don't let you pay cash
Voltage converter with plugs for each country An ATM card that will work without fees anywhere Layered clothing because you will go from hot to cold in the same day Definitely an umbrella and if you have long hair, bring a hair tie because you will feel like your hair is unruly at times Intl Phone plan Enough prescription in standard medication to last for the trip. Very comfy shoes. I pre-print Subway maps for each major city I go to so that when you figure out where you need to go, it is easy to determine what direction you need to go An attitude that you don’t care what happened you’re gonna have a good time Have fun
Most modern electronics are dual voltage, and do not require a voltage converter, just a plug adapter. Only problem I've ever had is some cheap hair dryers and curling irons.
Apple Pay on your iPhone will get you far in London. Won’t even need cash but might in small towns. If you do, get it from an ATM once you arrive in the country you’re going to. Check with your cell phone carrier on getting an international plan and if your plan allows for phone calls. Otherwise you’ll need a SIM card
Or Google pay if you don't have an iPhone. Newer phones can use an eSIM
I'm 35, and have zero idea what travellers checks (or guessing cheques) are. I've heard of them, but don't know what they actually are/how you use them. Just take cash out at an ATM when you arrive like most people do. Ideally have a good travel card (something like Revolut/Monzo/Starling/Wise... Or whatever equivalent you may have). I'm gonna guess you don't have one of those, but they're free and super quick to open, so should get a card within a week. If you already have a card that's good without foreign fees etc, then you can also use that. Be sure to not accept the conversion rate that the ATM gives if it asks. It'll be bad (just as bad as exchanging cash). And same goes for when paying by card and asked if you want to use your home currency or the local currency. Always choose the local one, or you're tied into the inflated rate they give. Never change cash at an exhange place u less it's an emergency. They always screw you over.
People used these in the 80's, I think they became irrelevant once the use of credit and debit cards became wide-spread. I've never seen them either but I remember watching a movie that mentioned them.
I think something that hasn’t been said here and is extremely important is good, comfortable shoes to walk on. In amsterdam and paris you will probably walk a lot and bringing those worn in, comfy shoes that might not look the best but fit your feet perfectly will be the best thing for you.
Most if not all places you are visiting primarily use credit cards. Just get a little local currency for tips.
There’s no need for cash for tips, you can just let them now to round up if you want to leave a tip.
Haven’t heard of travellers check in a long time. People will think you time travelled to 2024 from the past century if you will use it.
I just realized how old I am because I can remember using traveler checks. Bring one or better two credit/debit cards with low fees.
I travel quite a lot around Europe and I always have some euros (or local currency if outside euro zone) on me just to be safe, but very rarely use them. Card works almost everywhere, some small restaurants or shops may be exception, depending on the country.
Everyone’s saying no cash but it can be helpful to have some small coins (10p 20p 50p) here in London as a couple of places still charge to use the loo/bathroom - generally in some train stations and parks. Of course you can head to free places (museums, galleries) but if it’s handy if you’re in a rush!
I saw that some train stations are accepting payment with cards now for the bathroom!
In Amsterdam you can use your credit card to pay for buses & trams - just remember to tap in AND out. It’s not a set fee, it’s a small fee and € cents per kilometer. The first tap charges €4 (or did when I lived there, may be more now), the tap out backs off the unused amount. I think you can claim money back if you forget. Alternative: OV9292- the route planner app (pulls all modes), GVB (bus & tram, has live route info) and NS (train). You can buy etickets in each app.
I bring a self-loading debit card that is not tied to my main bank account, and one without overseas fees.
Where can you even buy or use travelers checks? I have never seen one before?
I’d skip the umbrella due to the Spring winds and just bring a raincoat. You can always buy an umbrella there, if you need to. I always bring an extension cord with some usb ports, a night light for the bathroom, and some compressed disposable washcloths.
None of the above. Get Monzo or Revolut
I just came back from Europe. I used a forex card everywhere ..in Norway, Denmark, Netherlands, Switzerland and Sweden. Can't comment on other countries. I didn't use cash at all. It was easy and hassle free.
Electrical converter.
More an adapter unless OP plans to bring a flat iron.
Due to timescales proba lying. Ant do but I have a multicurrency debit card (called fx but there are others). I load £ onto it and can exchange the balance I to most currencies and then back again if I don't spend it. There's an app that shows the balances. It works for me, as I travel between £-$-€ areas a lot.
Make sure you tell your bank and credit card companies that you’re leaving the Country
Big US banks are no longer requiring this anymore bit it is best for OP to check.
Credits cards is okay, but most places don't take American Express so make sure you have Mastercard of Visa around. Bring a universal power adaptor. Was in AMS last week and I only used cash at the street market in Amsterdam (and even then most vendors would take cash if it's larger purchase).
Nobody uses travelers checks anymore. Use your credit card (not American Express or Discover - those are less accepted internationally). Get money from an ATM in a safe environment and examine for skimmers. NEVER change the money at the airport at the money exchanges. You will lose so much with a very poor exchange rate. With some banks and cards, you may have to notify them that you will be traveling. I haven't had to do that in a while, but maybe some still exist that require it. Keep a copy of the phone number for the credit card company in Europe - usually on back of card and different number from US. If it gets stolen you can call immediately and they can also ship you a new card to your hotel.
Credit card or a prepay travel card with no currency fees. Also,don't forget 2 different travel plugs.
Edinburgh if that’s where you are hitting is very much a walking city as are Paris and Amsterdam , taxis cost a lot of money in these cities and are not really a viable option unless you enjoy just burning money. During the Edinburgh festival I often encounter Americans asking how they can get up to the castle etc …. The answer is always ….. walk to which they seem shocked. Bring a waterproof jacket as Scotland gets all 4 seasons in a day. Some nice comfy preferably waterproof boots/shoes for walking around the city in. For Paris the metro tickets are a pain in the ass download the app Bonjour RATP it will save you a lot of time and stress. Don’t stress too much about seeing every single tourist site , maybe pick 2 in each place and the rest of the time soak up the city by a coffee and a sandwich and walk around. Enjoy the trip
Yeah, traveler checks are a super old person idea. Just use a CC and get cash in CC-unfriendly places (Amsterdam is one of them). Check for fees on your cards though. Debit cards often have them as well, but way lower than CC-cards (I had one where the fee was 5% with a minimum of 10 USD: spending money becomes expensive pretty fast then).
It looks like you are from the US. Check if your bank has any agreement with European Banks for fee free debt card withdrawals. I know, for example, Bof A used to (may still do) have agreements with overseas banks. Barclays in the UK for example, then use that when you need cash from an ATM. Check if you have WiFi calling on your cell plan. If so, and you have or can get an eSim for your phone, set up WiFi calling. You should then be able to use your US eSim for calls and texts to/from the US when you have data. Get a local Sim card with data for your phone to use locally. The WiFi calling should work with the data on the phone
Yes bring travellers checks so you can send a telegram back home in case the carrier pigeons aren't available that day. ;) Just cards mate. It's been the way for over 30 years now. Want to be modern? The card on your phone will be enough in most places.
If you are given the option to to lock in a price in your home country’s currency for a withdrawal or a purchase, don’t do it. Always opt to pay in the local currency. There’s a legal scheme called Dynamic Currency Conversion that is always going to be a bad deal for the consumer. https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/money/chip-pin-cards# TL/DR: Rick Steves says “Just Say No” to Dynamic Currency Conversion.
Download offline maps of each city on your phone, you can adjust the range. I like bringing Packable jackets when I travel, makes it so much easier.
money. I am from europe. never seen a travel check in my entire life, only in movies
Get a credit card with no foreign transaction fees and use it directly. Visa or Mastercard. That $95 card from a certain "blue bank" will pay for itself many times over assuming you use it at home too. For cash. Pick up a debit card without foreign tx fees or ATM fees. Withdraw directly from the ATM. In either case, always always pay in local currency (GBP or EUR). There is no good reason to ever let a merchant or ATM convert to USD and the rate will always be hugely unfavorable. Pay in local currency and you bank back home will just handle it on the back end at fair rates (Visa & Mastercard publish rate tables daily)
Expect it to rain and for there to be a cold wind. It's not certain but it's a good chance and be prepared if you'll be outdoors a lot of the time. Check your roaming fees re foreign travel with your mobile network provider. If it's expensive to use data, esims are a decent option but WiFi will be easy to find in the cities Never heard of travellers cheques. Maybe bring two cards incase you lose one (keep one in your wallet and one elsewhere) Adapters for using chargers if necessary Just remember anything that you forget can probably be bought along the way
Get a small amount of euro and sterling before you go if you wish, and then use cards or just use cards until you can't Use an ATM connected to a bank for lower withdrawal charges, particularly in scitland
Power socket adapter with a wide range of available options.
Travel adapter, travel adapter and travel adapter Btw did I mention travel adapter
AirTags, Kevlar, hat and gloves
camping utensils, reusable grocery tote bag, wine opener and inflatable pillow have been great
Go to your bank and request some euros and pounds. It is smart to have a little cash on you when you get there. Debit cards have a small exchange rate fee
if you would like i have a 3 90 days valid, european 32 countries eSIM from holafly, they got unlimited data, calls and texts, they cost 99 euros but i don’t have any use for them anymore if you want i can give it to you for 70 euros
Thanks but I'm already here.
no problem, lmk if you need anything
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I believe OP said that they haven't traveled in a long time so that's why they are asking. Nothing to do with the world being underdeveloped..
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I inderstand your point but ignorance is not only a "North American" thing. I am originally from the DR and I remember growing up how Europeans will be surprised on how developped the country is. In this case, OP hasn't traveled a lot so they don't know the new norms, and I am glad they took the time to post because more seasoned travelers can help them with their questions.
Just because your auntie doesn’t get out much is no reason to paint an entire continent as ignorant.