Userpic

roryjm
Traveller
3 comments

Posted 10 years ago

I'm an 18yo and will be travelling for 4 weeks. 50% of my destinations use the euro but the others use varying currencies (crown, kuna, franc etc.)

Is the best solution to take a travel card loaded with euros, then exchange it on the move, or will that cost too much?

Follow this topic
Userpic

nltrainer
Traveller
1405 comments

replied 10 years ago

give more details. Do some math on how much youre likely to spend in Hravtska/Czech, etc.
The most easy way is simply use YOUR bankcard-in an ATM- you likely also can use it in most of the countries out of €-like to pay a Hostel or so, even in many shops-check if it has MAESTRO mark on.. Check YOUR bank first how much that will cost in extra and if you need to set something in your account to allow it. If you live in a €-country-get a load of cash €-to cover the cost in the other countries.
These preloaded cards mostly have giant hidden fees-some even charge you every month even if you do not pay and near all have very bad exchange rates.
In SOME countries its best to simply change cash 20 or 50 €-how much you think to spend on arrival OUT of the station/airport. That way you also get coins- ATMs only dispense big notes-not fit for a luggage locker etc. The tipical young IRer like you only spends for food/DRINK and sleep-travel is paid for, nah-and thats not very much really-as they will want to be in next country the next day.
Now we very well remember the days before there was € and we had to change in every other country..........