Euros

Hi,

It's a month before I leave to backpack europe and I'm getting more and more excited. With regards to money, should I buy a large amount of Euros (I have no idea what would be a good starting amount) from my local bank before I go? Do I need to notify them that I'm going to be away? Is it better to use cash, credit card or debit? I think a mixture of all three would be best. A friend of mine said I should let my credit card company I'm going away so they don't think someone else is using my credit card. (it shows up on my account all these large purchases that I don't normally make)

thanks a bunch,
Karen

I would bring maybe a couple hundred Euros to start. Your debit card will work in European machines, but take out a fair amount at a time - your bank will charge like $3 or more per transaction, so it's not worth it to take out 20 euro at a time. I'd go for 200 at a time.

Notify them as well - some banks may freeze your account for strange transactions. Best to be safe and tell them you will be in Europe. Same with credit card.

Which Canadian debit cards work? Intereac, Exchange or both?

Any card with the PLUS symbol on the back. Look on the back of your card, and if it says PLUS and shows the little logo, you're good to go. If your credit card shows CIRRUS it will also work.

Central and Eastern European plug-in to this topic

My experiences say that Hungary is a bit behind when it comes to card acceptance in bars, pubs and restaurants. Definitively when compared to Austria but even to Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Regarding card types: MasterCard is widely accepted but where MC works there Visa is usually accepted, as well. I never use my canadian debit card. No point.

Tomas

PS: for the past few weeks local currencies have become stronger (against EUR) so I would not bring a lot of cash.

Yeah - Credit card usage in general in Europe isn't widely done. At least not the same way it is here. You can use them in hotels though.

Personally I wouldn't trust using my credit card in restaurants though - I know many who have in Hungary and had their numbers stolen shortly thereafter.

Just use cash in that case, IMHO. Not worth the risk.