off2anywhere

 

Both Chase and CitiCard have told me they have no plans on releasing a true chip and pin card to American customers within the immediate future. Locally, we have zero retailers that have chip reading capacity. Companies, such as Penny's and now Staples would rather risk your personal info that spend to upgrade to a more secure system here in the US.

I just received a new Citibank card that is chip and PIN. Also, there is a page on their website to request a chip and PIN replacement for existing cards. Bank of America sent a chip and PIN replacement card 6-8 months ago. I have "tapped" rather than swiped with a couple of national retailers, but I think I still had to sign.

I tend to carry an over abundance of cards when traveling, so thanks for the heads-up on the 12/2015 deadline.

No problems using non-chip debit and credit cards last year - UK, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Hungary, Austria - or the previous trips. I take about $200 in pounds and Euros, just in case. My bank charges a minimal fee and I don't have to find an ATM as soon as I get off the plane. I carry debit cards from two different banks and make a note of their European partners to eliminate fees. I prefer using cash for most of the daily purchases and I always use the local currency. Last year, at the Central Market in Budapest, Euros were accepted. I calculated a 20-30% (depending on the vendor) surcharge for using Euros instead of forints. I use a currency converter on my phone.

As a reminder, "ATM" is American English. British - cashpoint, French - un GAB, German - Geldautomat.

Happy travels.

I was just reading another thread where folks were having problems using an ATM machine in Budapest. Made me wonder.... anyone have a problem using their Wells Fargo Debit card in an ATM machine in Europe? On the back of the card it just has a PLUS decal. Don't know if that is a widely accepted or not. thanks for any feedback.

I had no problems using my "no chip" debit cards (Bank of America and Wells Fargo) in the ATMs from London through Europe to Budapest in Dec 2013. Wells Fargo worked in all the VISA branded machines and they charged a flat fee rather than a percentage. Note to self ... remember that an ATM in Germany is a Geldomat. In addition to please, thank you, etc., I will always know the local word for an ATM. It makes it much easier for the locals to help.

tml -

 

Could you comment on the tour in Budapest? Did you visit any interiors or was it just a drive by? How long did it take? Around what time did you get back to the boat? Any comments on the afternoon optional excursions?

 

BTW - did Viking use the Marriott as their post-cruise hotel in Budapest? We are staying there on our own. I read somewhere that the ship docks practically across the road from the Marriott, is that true?

 

Thank you.

We were in Budapest with Viking in Dec '13.

The tour of the Pest side was mostly a riding tour as I recall. The bus then went to the Buda side, up to the Citadel for a quick stop and a great view. Then up Castle Hill where we were given a tour of the Mathias church and a couple of hours of free time. The hot chocolate at the shop on the corner by the bus stop is not to be missed. I thought the tour was a good overall orientation to the city. We also used the local Hop On, Hop Off bus and took the night river cruise. Very pretty.

Viking used the Hilton on Castle Hill and Le Meridian on the Pest side for post stays. Our ship docked near the Chain Bridge on the night we arrived, but moved close to the Elizabeth Bridge the next day. I had booked the Hilton on my own and thoroughly enjoyed my stay. I can't wait to go back to Budapest.

Hope that helps.

Did other ports besides Passau surprise you.....pleasantly or otherwise? I appreciated your earlier comments preferring staying and exploring Passau to a 4 hour round trip bus ride and tour of Salzburg. I recognize this is personal preference, but I really dislike huge crowded bus tours.

 

I did this itinerary in December '13 and the tour to Salzburg was from Linz, not Passau. I was one of the six passengers that did not go to Salzburg. The city was pretty much closed as we were there on December 26th, but it seems that there are quite a few things to do. I took the Pöstlingbergbahn, a narrow gauge tram that can be boarded at the central plaza, to the top of the hill. You should be able to see the church from the ship. Had a wonderful pastry (and took several back to the ship), coffee and enjoyed a spectacular view of the Danube. The light show on the Ars Electronica building was interesting. The weather was glorious that day and I spent much of it on the verandah watching the people in the park along the river.

 

By the time we got to Linz, we'd been traveling for a couple of weeks and I needed a day off. No sea days on a river cruise. For the rest of the trip, I didn't find the touring by bus to be that uncomfortable. The groups were 25-40 people and, with the headset systems, people seem to wander away from the guide. I never really felt herded.

For cash while in Europe & the UK, I use my Bank of America ATM card. BOA is partnered with Barclays, Deutsche Bank and many more. The ATM fee is 1% of the transaction (using a partner ATM) and you get the market exchange rate. I have had no problems finding or using their machines. I think Wells Fargo has a good program, but I don't know the details yet.

The last trip, I didn't even bother with ordering currency beforehand. I just got it at the airport AT THE ATM.

I remember using Travellers checks during a pre-Euro, seven country road trip. What a hoot! Finding a bank, converting as we moved from country to country. I think I still have some marks, francs (Swiss), lira, francs (French) .....