A trip to Europe can be one of the more memorable voyages of your life. But the last thing you want to do is sour your voyage by finding yourself unable to pay for dinner or train fare while you’re there.
While it's okay to put most expenses on your card, it's wise to also carry some cash for emergencies. Being over-prepared can help you avoid a lot of trouble—and perhaps some missed sightseeing opportunities—while you’re traveling.
Key Takeaways
- European travelers should always have some cash on hand; getting it from an ATM abroad is usually the easiest, most advantageous way.
- If you need cash from an ATM, it's usually better to use a debit card, because credit cards often charge a high interest rate for a cash advance.
- Major credit cards are generally accepted, especially in cities. Check with your card issuer about foreign transaction fees and currency exchange fees.
- Unlike the U.S., European credit card machines usually require a PIN. You can get this from your card issuer before you leave home.
- Contactless pay systems like Apple Pay are increasingly common.
Don’t Expect to Get Too Far WithoutCash
There’s a lot that you can buy with a credit card in Europe, so bring at least one. But don’t expect to get very far without a little cash, too—especially if you’re a tourist. Transportation services, such as taxis and buses, often require local currency. The same is true if you hire a guide to help you navigate your new surroundings.
Don’t bother to load up on cash before your flight. You can simply visit an ATM once you arrive and withdraw euros—the currency of 20European countries—or other local currencies. With a conversion fee between 1% and 3%, and sometimes a nominal transaction charge, ATMs can be one of the least expensive and most convenient ways to get cash overseas—though you might want to check out local currency exchange bureaus, just to compare rates.
If you have more than one bank account, you may want to compare the different international ATM fees beforehand and of course, go with the one that’s more economical.
Avoid using credit cards for cash at ATMs. Most card issuers treat ATM withdrawals as a cash advance—meaning that in addition to ordinary foreign transaction fees, you're also paying a higher interest rate.
Tips for Using a Credit Card Abroad
Many businesses, particularly those that cater to travelers or are in cities, accept international credit cards. Carrying plastic also cuts down on how much cash you have to carry, which eliminates some of the pain if your wallet is lost or stolen. Pickpockets are not uncommon in most European cities, and they know how to identify tourists.
If you’re planning to bring a credit card, there are a couple of things to remember. First, bear in mind that some cards are more widely accepted than others. MasterCardand Visaare among the most commonly used payment networks in Great Britain and the Continent. American Express,Discover,and Diners Club are less widespread, though some merchants will take them. Some cards also offer travel perks or cash rewards, so it's worth doing some research to find the best credit cards for your needs.
You can use your credit card to get cash at an ATM, of course (and you may have to, if your bank card doesn't participate in an overseas network). However, this should be a last resort: a credit card withdrawal will be considered a cash advance, which normally comes with higher interest rates than ordinary purchases. In addition, check with the card issuer (or dig out your terms and conditions paperwork, if you can find it) to see if there's a transaction fee for foreign purchases or a currency conversion fee. They add up.
Some merchants now give you the option to pay with your card in either the local currency or in your own home currency (dollars or whatever). Paying in your own currency is a way to get around that foreign transaction fee. If your card doesn't charge one, you might as well pay in the local currency.
Ensure Your Card Will Work
It’s also important to realize that Europe's credit card technology is far more advanced, often using chip-and-PIN software. This means their cards have an embedded chip that helps validate the card's physical presence and legitimacy. Rather than signing a receipt, cardholders often enter their four-digit PIN code to complete the transaction. American banks have rapidly rolled out cards that have the chip due to changes in fraud liability laws, but the PIN portion is often still not the norm.
You may still get away with a standard American card, as long it has a chip. If it doesn't, the merchant will likely ask for your PIN. If you don’t know it—after all,PINsare rarely used for U.S. credit card transactions—it’s a good idea to get the four-digit number from your bank before embarking, or re-set it via telephone or computer to something easy to remember.
Also, remember to notify your bank that you will be traveling overseas. Many banks have enhanced their fraud detection protocols, and if they notice suspicious activity, such as an ATM withdrawal in Venice when you've never been there before, they could deactivate your card out of an abundance of caution.
Forget About Traveler’s Checks
If you’re worried about carrying a lot of cash, another option is to purchase traveler’s checks. The nice thing about these checks is that, as long as you record the number on each one and store it in a secure location, the issuer can usuallyreplace them for free if they’re stolen.
However, traveler's checks are a dying breed; many places don't take them anymore. Even if a merchant accepts traveler’s checks, it’s often with a poor exchange rate. And they're costly: Banks may charge a fee worth 1% to 2%of the face value to purchase the checks.
One alternative is to carry a modest amount of emergency cash with you in a location pickpockets can’t easily get to—in other words, not in backpacks or an unsealed pocket. Few retailers or hotels accept personal checks, so you may as well leave those at home.
Going Digital
Increasingly, merchants throughout Europe accept Apple Pay and other digital "contactless" payment systems. Apple Pay is accepted in over 70 countries as of March 2023. Doing it all with a tap of your phone can alleviate security concerns about having pockets picked and wallets stolen.
If you use Apple Pay to pay with a card overseas, that card's same overseas charges, as discussed above, will apply. If you're using the Apple Pay Cash card to pay (it's accepted wherever Discover cards are), there's a 3% across-the-board fee for international transactions.
Should You Use Cash or Credit When Traveling to Europe?
Most international travelers will end up using a combination of cash and cards when visiting Europe. While credit cards are accepted in most situations, currency can be more convenient for public transportation and small vendors. It's also wise to carry an emergency fund with enough cash for a few days, just in case your card gets lost or stolen.
What Is the Most Common Credit Card in Europe?
Visa, Mastercard, and EuroCard are widely accepted throughout Europe, and American Express is usually accepted in tourist destinations.
Will My Bank Card Work in Europe?
Debit cards with a Mastercard or Visa logo are widely accepted in Europe. American Express is somewhat less common, except at tourist destinations. Most banks charge a foreign transaction fee and/or a currency conversion fee, so it is worth double-checking these costs before departure. You should also let your bank or card issuer know about your travel plans in advance, or else they might flag some of your overseas transactions as potential fraud.
The Bottom Line
As the saying goes, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” These days, that means carrying a chip-enabled credit card and a little cash, just in case. Also, pack your bank debit card for ATMs to keep yourself supplied with additional coin, as needed.
Disclosure: At the time of publication, the author did not have holdings in any of the companies mentioned in this article.
