Money - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

SblGirLca · 02-04-2004, 02:29 PM

I am traveling to Eastern Europe soon and I was just wondering what you all suggest is the best way to carry money. Should I keep cash in Euros, do travlers checks, creditcards, or would a debit card from the Bank of America work? Please help because last year I was stuck in France for 2 weeks with out any money because my ATM card didnt work!!!!!!!!!

**Canadian Dude** · 02-04-2004, 04:29 PM

I know this may seem not the safest thing to do when treking through Europe, but I don't like travlers cheques, although they are the safest way to go...I carry cash and guard it with my life, and my VISA card, those 2 ways I have not run into problems with. I know a few people that were American who had problems with their bank cards in France, never figured out why though..one machine actually stole their card...they were pissed.

Contact your bank and find out exactly where you bank card is good, Eastern Europe might be a bit more difficult to find machines that work, than Western Europe.

I have never gone wrong with cash, American $$$ work everywhere and anywhere, Euro are just as good. Just be sure if you pick this route, that you ALWAYS know where your money is. Don't keep it all togeather and do not pull out large sums at one time.

If you use VISA, call and check if they cover you for theft of the card, card replacment worldwide, and fraud on your card. Mine covers me for all that stuff, so the card doesn't worry me as much. Its a handy thing to have, just be sure to pay it off when you get back...

SblGirLca · 02-05-2004, 11:16 AM

Thank you so much for your advice! I thought cash was the best way to go but try telling my mom that......lol.

**Carisia** · 02-05-2004, 05:19 PM

well, sometimes the key to risk management is diversification, so diversify what you take, how you take it and where you take/keep it!

**Ozpacka** · 02-06-2004, 12:33 AM

i found that keeping money in the front leg pocket of my cargos was the safest way that i carried my wallet around with me when i was in london/subways. That way it was in front of you, and would be a quite obvious if anyone was trying to get into them.

Just a thought.

Leeroy.

**travelpunk** · 02-06-2004, 02:18 AM

I usually take 2 ATM cards (I'll split my money into 2 checking accounts at different banks) and a visa card. Everywhere I went, I stuck one ATM card in my front pants pocket, and the others in the money belt. If something happens to one of them (stolen, eaten up at a machine, damaged), I have another one for backup along with a visa card.....then the emergency money.

Emergency money- I always take 2 or 3 $100 bills, fold them up, and hide them in a hidden place (money belt, in your shoe, cut a tiny opening somewhere in your backpack (like in the shoulder strap or something) then slide the bill$ in there and don't ever touch them!.

Your objective is to bring those back home with you, or go nut's with the money on your last day

! Use only for emergency purposes!

Travelers checks aren't necessary, in my opinion. But at the end of the day, it's your call!

**pinion** · 02-09-2004, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by travelpunk@Feb 6 2004, 10:18 AM
I usually take 2 ATM cards (I'll split my money into 2 checking accounts at different banks)

Thats a really good idea!

Just one question though. If something did happen to one of your bank cards how hard would it be to transfer your money between the 2 banks?

I've never had to deal with transfering money between banks...

ladaz · 02-09-2004, 05:45 PM

Hey TP I do the two bank cards/two bank accounts thing too! But I do it all from the same bank. My bank allows me to transfer money from account to account over the phone. It's really easy and fast; it's effective immediately. Then if one card was lost/stolen, I could move the money quickly and let my bank know to freeze the account. Then I still have all of my money and I don't have to worry about transferring money from bank to bank.
I also keep cash hidden in different places that I don't touch unless absolutely needed. I've heard people say that they only keep $100 bill, but that's not a lot of money if you're stuck somewhere.
I never carry travelers checks. Never need to as long as I'm watchful with my stuff.

**travelpunk** · 02-09-2004, 11:49 PM

Quote:

Just one question though. If something did happen to one of your bank cards how hard would it be to transfer your money between the 2 banks?

Shouldn't be a problem, but could take a couple of days. Solution, follow the advice of ladaz B) !

I hadn't explored that option, ladaz, but it make total sense! I'm sold! I will do that on my next trip