How many Euro's should I bring?

[Canclan]

I leave in 40 days for the Sunshine!! I was going to go to my bank and exchange $$ for Euro's but I'm not sure how much? I'm not a heavy spender but I'll do a couple of excursions and I want to shop in the ports. Maybe 2K or 3K? Is that too much? I know I can use my credit card but I would prefer not to unless I have to-I'll probably spend too much if I used my credit card. :eek:

 

So, what are you doing? Thanks!!!

[mairead224]

It really is up to you and you are the only person that can answer that question.

For example who are you traveling with, kids etc etc. What are your drinking habits, do you enjoy the casino, steakhouse, eating at port and so-fourth.

 

The advice I can give you is do not take cash with you!! In all ports there are plenty of atms available and I would advise to withdraw from your current account there (E100 here E100 there!!). Traveling around europe with such a large amount of cash is dangerous especially in places like Barcelona. John Heald just had 2 passengers on his current legend trip who were pick pocketed.

[EmmasNana]

It will be cheaper (exchange rate wise) if you use the ATM at the airport once you arrive in Europe. If you really want to get some euro's from your bank, just get $50 dollars worth.

[Crusing from Colorado]

I leave in 40 days for the Sunshine!! I was going to go to my bank and exchange $$ for Euro's but I'm not sure how much? I'm not a heavy spender but I'll do a couple of excursions and I want to shop in the ports. Maybe 2K or 3K? Is that too much? I know I can use my credit card but I would prefer not to unless I have to-I'll probably spend too much if I used my credit card. :eek:

 

So, what are you doing? Thanks!!!

 

We leave tomorrow for the Sunshine. I'm bringing 2,000 Euros for the two of us. I've already paid for our main excursion in Rome, so I may be bringing more than I need to. My wife's two sisters are going with us and they are bringing $1,000 Euro's for the two of them. We will also have our credit cards and ATM card's if needed. That doesn't include the American cash we're bringing. Hmmm....... We may be bringing too much LoL. Oh well what we don't spend we can always bring home. Or my wife will spend in the Casino.

[irishnyc]

You won't need cash for your excursions unless you're not doing them through Carnival, right? Other than that, the best exchange rate will be by using your credit card. ATMs will have a good exchange rate as well, but sometimes the ATM fee is pretty high.

[mairead224]

Sorry meant to add when factoring in costs look at the ports you will be going to. Okay so you will embark in Venice well that can be a very expensive port. You disembark in BCN well that can be done relatively inexpensively and with the use of a HOHO you get to see most of the sites relatively cheaply.

 

Also consider not doing the ships excursions as they are extremely overpriced for most European ports!!!

 

Set yourself a daily budget based on the ports and sea days and stick to it (famous last words in our house!!!)

 

We are on the sailing before you!!!

[dms_cruisers04]

Unless things have changed, everything onboard is still done in US currency. And as always, unless it's cash in the casino, everything is done on your S&S card onboard.

 

You should check with your bank about ATM fees and exchange rates and likewise with your cc company about their exchange rate on purchases. Then you'll have a better idea of where it will be better to use cash and thus how much you might need to take.

[mbleackl]

I leave in 40 days for the Sunshine!! I was going to go to my bank and exchange $$ for Euro's but I'm not sure how much? I'm not a heavy spender but I'll do a couple of excursions and I want to shop in the ports. Maybe 2K or 3K? Is that too much? I know I can use my credit card but I would prefer not to unless I have to-I'll probably spend too much if I used my credit card. :eek:

 

So, what are you doing? Thanks!!!

 

I've cruised the Med a few times and always took some EU cash. The last time I took EU 2500 in cash for about 20 days. If you are doing private excursions you will be expected to pay cash. Folks will tell you to use ATMs but sometimes you may be out of luck. In Brugge one time I had trouble getting into the bank to us the ATM. It was the only one around. Eventually someone let me in with their card, but if you were in a hurry... Also one of our party on a Rome excursion tried to use her ATM card and it was declined..so you take a chance.

 

With respect to pick pockets, you aren't going to take all your cash with you anyway....most of it will be in your safe in your cabin. Just take as much as you need for the time you are off the ship. If you are pick pocketed they will get your Debit/credit card just the same and then you might have a harder time to get cash.

[gospelle]

I must disagree with those replies above who suggest not to bring cash. Cash is a must, even if you're on a ship excursion.

 

You need cash for...

 

Tips, drinks, shopping, food, and last minute things like a rickshaw ride back to the pier because your feet are tired or a cab ride if you run late, etc...

 

Crime is rampant in some med ports and it is not uncommon to discover fraudulent charges put through on credit cards because someone has swiped your number when you use your card for a valid transaction or picked off your RFID signal if your card is so enabled and you take it out. Even if Visa reimburses you, that may not be until later and you could find yourself with no credit left when you may need it.

 

Also, nothing says "ROB ME" more than you standing at a cash machine.

 

Cash on the other hand can not be used fraudulently against your credit limit and can easily be secured in a hidden travel pouch or money belt worn inside your clothing or left in the safe in your stateroom (or both).

 

We would normally take 1500-2000 Euros for a two week cruise. We would leave it in the safe and pull out about 200-250 each day before we head ashore. I would put about 30 in small bills in my front pocket and the rest in my money belt or hidden pouch. This way I have easy access to small cash to pay for an ice cream or whatever on the go and more cash easily retrieved if I wanted to pay a taxi or something that costs more.

 

Sometimes I'm sitting on a beach and on a whim I decide to rent the sea-doo for a half hour or something.. Well, those guys don't take Visa and good luck finding an ATM.

 

Cash is king. don't be without it.

[mairead224]

I must disagree with those replies above who suggest not to bring cash. Cash is a must, even if you're on a ship excursion.

 

You need cash for...

 

Tips, drinks, shopping, food, and last minute things like a rickshaw ride back to the pier because your feet are tired or a cab ride if you run late, etc...

 

Crime is rampant in some med ports and it is not uncommon to discover fraudulent charges put through on credit cards because someone has swiped your number when you use your card for a valid transaction or picked off your RFID signal if your card is so enabled and you take it out. Even if Visa reimburses you, that may not be until later and you could find yourself with no credit left when you may need it.

 

Also, nothing says "ROB ME" more than you standing at a cash machine.

 

Cash on the other hand can not be used fraudulently against your credit limit and can easily be secured in a hidden travel pouch or money belt worn inside your clothing or left in the safe in your stateroom (or both).

 

We would normally take 1500-2000 Euros for a two week cruise. We would leave it in the safe and pull out about 200-250 each day before we head ashore. I would put about 30 in small bills in my front pocket and the rest in my money belt or hidden pouch. This way I have easy access to small cash to pay for an ice cream or whatever on the go and more cash easily retrieved if I wanted to pay a taxi or something that costs more.

 

Sometimes I'm sitting on a beach and on a whim I decide to rent the sea-doo for a half hour or something.. Well, those guys don't take Visa and good luck finding an ATM.

 

Cash is king. don't be without it.

 

 

I have to say I completely disagree.

 

Please don't take me the wrong way but as a european who is familiar with most european cultures what says ROB ME as you put it is generally an american traveller.

 

I read an article about it when I was in spain last year and it mentioned that most US travelers come it large wads of cash on their person which makes them an easy target. The way most europeans work is they carry a few hundred (at most) on them and top up at an ATM. (pick pocketers know this!!)

 

With regard to CC fraud always remember when you go to an ATM cover your pin number and there is no problem. I live in Europe and holiday 4 times a year in various different countries and have never been pick pocketed or had my CC fraudulently used.

 

These pick pocketers are skilled in knowing these thing so why leave anything to chance. Come with a few hundred and top up by 1 or 2 when you need it and the nearest ATM. All comes to all there is still the casino where you can withdraw cash. Im sorry not familiar with casino FX rates as I have always dealt in euros.

 

 

Edited to say : Theres always the chance of losing it!!!!!! Stranger things have happened. All I am saying is better safe than sorry11

[mairead224]

this is a good article by the independent traveller about carrying money oversees:

 

http://www.independenttraveler.com/travel-tips/money-and-insurance/the-best-way-to-carry-money-overseas

 

It also states that if you are brining cash only bring enough to tide you over for the first 24 hours.

 

Unfortunately its the world we live in today that whatever method you decide to use one needs to extremely cautious. Since the recession its only on the rise.

[KFinTx]

I leave in 40 days for the Sunshine!! I was going to go to my bank and exchange $$ for Euro's but I'm not sure how much? I'm not a heavy spender but I'll do a couple of excursions and I want to shop in the ports. Maybe 2K or 3K? Is that too much? I know I can use my credit card but I would prefer not to unless I have to-I'll probably spend too much if I used my credit card. :eek:

 

So, what are you doing? Thanks!!!

 

You'll be paying more for the Euros if you get them here. My advice would be to get enough Euros for "walking around" money then use your CC to get Euros in Europe. Keep yourself on a budget. I can't imagine having up to 3K Euros in cash on me.

 

As for "crime," it happens EVERYWHERE! They pick pocket at your local grocery store. Most of such crimes are crimes of opportunity, so don't give them the opportunity! Don't make yourself an easy mark by flashing a wad of cash or whipping out your traveller's wallet in public. As others advised, only carry enough to cover you for that day. If you want to really get serious about it, you can try what I've done in the past: keeping a low denomination bill in a pocket or purse for easy access & keeping everything else hidden. That way, if you see something you like on the street, you can easily get to your money & pay for it; if someone nabs it, you're only out a five or 10 note. If you want to spend more than your "candy & gum" money, oh well. Come back for it later after you've had a chance to move your cash from your hiding place.

 

When using ATMs, try to use those inside of banks, if possible. If not, use the holes in the wall with the same caution you use at home. BTW, the best exchange rates are at banks & not at the airport or in a hotel.

[Velvetwater]

I am guessing its the med cruise with Italy,Spain and France etc?

 

Italy is very expensive -Rome,Venice and Naples etc etc. The Italians like to charge you for just sitting down (we paid 20 euros on top of our drinks to sit on the grand canal and the same for the wonderful squares). Rome is amazing for shopping but Venice isnt so much so bear that in mind too.

 

The med french ports such as Marseilles are also pricey with the best places being around to 10 euros for a beer and extra charges but are better than Italy for shopping for clothes and gifts and such.

 

Spain is cheaper than the above as its seen as less vogue but Barcelona is pricey with its shops and cafes being a major city.

 

 

All of the major cities have high exchange rates too (for pounds anyway) but they may be cheaper than over the pond.

 

Personally I think 2-3k is a lot but I'm not much of a shopper so each to their own. All the talk of high crime rates in Europe are a bit overblown tbh. Being from Europe I have been all over here and Ive never had anything taken at all. As long as you zip up your bags,keep them close as you sensibly would anyway you will be fine.

[theaviator85]

2 or 3k seems like way too much. What I did, or do, is have 300 euro max, and carry a credit card with no foreign transaction fees. I have to agree with maired224 about not bringing a ton of cash and just taking money out. On my Princess mediterranean cruise I survived two stops in Turkey with euros and US dollars! You might have to use some self control but the credit card is the best way to go.

[luvscruzn]

I leave in 40 days for the Sunshine!! I was going to go to my bank and exchange $$ for Euro's but I'm not sure how much? I'm not a heavy spender but I'll do a couple of excursions and I want to shop in the ports. Maybe 2K or 3K? Is that too much? I know I can use my credit card but I would prefer not to unless I have to-I'll probably spend too much if I used my credit card. :eek:

 

So, what are you doing? Thanks!!!

 

When we were there 2 years ago, almost all of the stores and

restaurants would happily accept US Travelers Checks, credit cards,

Euros or US dollars. We booked all excursions from the cruise line,

and figured around $100 per day "fun money". Towards the end of

the trip, we exchanged some travelers checks for euros from the

pursers deck with no problem; they always have some available, just

don't plan on asking for a large amount. Only you can judge how much

you'll spend, take enough, bring home what's left (if any!) and have a

wonderful time!

[Goldwolf]

I agree with mairead224 too, most of mainland Europe is similar to the US in that pretty much everywhere takes debit/credit cards and when I'm working or travelling in Europe I use my credit cards everywhere I can and the small stash of euros I do carry with me shrinks at a very slow rate.

 

When we travel in August for 12 nights I suspect we'll take 600-800 Euros and this will be plenty of 'petty cash'. Taking 3000 Euros just seems excessively risky to me.

[mbleackl]

When we were there 2 years ago, almost all of the stores and

restaurants would happily accept US Travelers Checks, credit cards,

Euros or US dollars. We booked all excursions from the cruise line,

and figured around $100 per day "fun money". Towards the end of

the trip, we exchanged some travelers checks for euros from the

pursers deck with no problem; they always have some available, just

don't plan on asking for a large amount. Only you can judge how much

you'll spend, take enough, bring home what's left (if any!) and have a

wonderful time!

 

We had a really hard time a few years ago using Euro travellers cheques and eventually had to cash them in at a bank for cash less a fee of course, which is why we take cash now. I pick up the Euros from my bank a few hundred at a time to spread out the swings in the exchange rate. The purser will cash US traveller cheques and convert to Euros for a higher exchange rate than you can get at an ATM or bank. We leave most of our cash in our safe & take only what we need on a daily basis so I don't feel at risk.

[flashncrash]

let me first say that I have not looked at the itinerary of the sunshine so don't know where you will be going. you also haven't said if you will be staying a few days/nights before/after the cruise which is when you may need the euros. I agree that 2k - 3k euros or even USD is too much. I do not use ATMs and always exchange for foreign currency at my bank (they only charge $3 no matter how much you are exchanging and no matter how many different types of currency). latter part of 2012 my wife and I were 10 days in Europe and 2 days in England before transatlantic home. I needed 3 different currencies and exchanged something like $2800. I paid everything in cash (food, souvenirs, taxis, etc) except for what was pre-arranged, like train and bus transportation, as well as hotel charges, that all went onto a CC with no foreign transaction fee. We didn't come close to using all the currency. definitely agree that you don't want to carry all of the currency with you when you're out and about. also in some countries the ATMs are very confusing to use. you need to figure what you will be doing in port as some people like to go to a local restaurant/bar and many prefer finding a tour once they get to port. sometimes you even need to take a taxi into town because the port is not walking distance to where you want to go. my daughter spent 4 months in Europe and used her CC for established places (supermarket, museum, rail/air, accommodations) but would use cash for everything else. exchange rates constantly fluctuate and whatever you have leftover you can keep as a souvenir, keep it for your next trip there, or if you have enough you can exchange it back for USD. have fun.

[Dutch Diver]

I'm not a heavy spender but I'll do a couple of excursions and I want to shop in the ports. Maybe 2K or 3K?

 

Whoa! 2K-3K is way too much. Apart from taxis, fast food restaurants and small boutique stores, almost anything can be purchased with a credit or debit card. In fact, most stores and restaurants prefer plastic over cash. They may even refuse large bills (€100, €200 & €500) because they won't have change.

 

As for a realistic budget, if you're just walking around, buying a few trinkets, a coffee and ice cream, I would say €100 per day is plenty. Should you find that perfect souvenir and need more cash, go use an ATM.

 

I rarely carry more than €50 in my wallet, especially when I'm Rome or Barcelona - or Amsterdam, for that matter.

[bitemyfly]

i take 250 euros at a maximum... and use a credit card that does not charge fee's

i also try to conserve those euros and pay most with the card

last trip.. 16 days , left with 250 euros during the last days i commsumed all but 11

carry very little cash.. in europe , the carib or in the US

[gospelle]

$250 often won't get me through a single day let alone a 2 week trip!

 

Seriously folks, i spend $2000 just to fly over there I'm not going to cheap out once i'm there.

 

At-the-beach boat/sea doo rental guys don't take credit.

Rickshaw drivers and tour guides don't take credit.

Street vendors don't take credit.

Gondola drivers in venice don't take credit.

Sled rides in Funchal don't take credit

Most taxis don't take credit.

I could go on and on.

 

I dont want to say your vacations wont be fun if you don't spend a lot of money, i'm sure they will be, but for me i like to drop cash on whatever item, fun thing or convenience strikes me at the time. And in my 3 trips so far to Europe i have been glad I had the cash. 2000 euros is the MINIMUM i would take for a 2 week trip.

[Keel Haul]

this may interest some of you, the link is to a cost of living index for European City's http://www.xpatulator.com/cost-of-living-article/Cost-of-Living-Europe-April-2013_430.cfm

[Tiggertastic]

We take card and cash

 

We've been pick picketed and had the cards taken in Spain and had the card declined and spent a day explaining to the card co that when we told them we'd be on a cruise round the Caribbean that it wasn't our fault if their system only allows them to log 5 countries being visited when the cruise has 11 ports. So stop declining the card.

 

So we take sufficient cash to cover everything but the onboard account. We use the card when we need or want to and unused cash gets held for the next trip.

 

Yes the rates are better in the country you are visiting, but we now watch the markets and when it's good grab it so when we travel and the rate is bad I know we had a good deal

[Goldwolf]

Taxi drivers in Europe are increasingly taking credit cards, when I travel all over Europe with my work I would say that I pay with a credit card 80% of the time now.

 

I certainly don't mind spending money, but maybe I do different things and avoid the tourist trap stuff because most of what I do you can use a card! You must do an awful lot of off the cuff things every day gospelle!

[Flying Scot]

Take a small amount of cash and use bank cards that is my advice. Take 400 euros of so and top up at machines.