We will have a trip from London to Roma, visiting Paris, lucerne, Venice, Florence... we need advise about how to handle the money, which option will be better, 1) exchange money here before fly to London, 2)use our visa for card,all the time there 3) exchange money each time we get to a different country? TIA!!

Most of those countries use euros, so just use your bank card at an ATM and withdraw as needed. Carrying (lots of) cash can be a liability as I found out the hard way, when my wallet was literally removed from my fanny pack on the train in Rome. Be super careful....the pick pockets are way smarter than you ever think!

Thank you!!

Bring about 100 euros to start, then use your credit card for everything you can. Take out a few hundred euros from ATMs as needed. The bank fees are not good, but the convenience as you go is. Keep an extra credit card in a different spot so if something goes missing you aren't left hanging.

I would suggest not using a credit card. You get charged way more exchange

Our experience (gained from several European trips) has been to carry some cash, but to pay for most things by credit card. The convenience and safety factor far outweighs any exchange costs involved. (Be warned that Lucerne is very expensive, even for mundane things).

Switzerland as a rule is a nightmare for your wallet.

We are just going to be sleep one night by there

Some places in Switzerland accept euros but not all. Best to use your credit card or get some swiss francs.

Check with your bank about the exchange rate on debit vs. credit cards. Your debit card works all over the world. Often the fees associated with it are lower. Have some cash on hand for taxis, etc. You'll need GBP in England, and Euros everywhere else. Remember to toss the extra coins into a charity bin at the airport or on the plane. You generally can't exchange them when you get home so you might as well make the world a better place.

There's a couple of no fee credit cards that don't charge the foreign currency exchange fee (3%). I would use that combined with taking 300-400 euros at an atm as needed.

You need cash for Italy.

They like cash in Italy! A thief set us up and made off with most of our cash in Venice. None of the locals reacted, responded or helped. We talked with clerks at various businesses on the rest of our trip and most just shrugged it off as an accepted part of their country's culture.

So , in Venice is convenient use the credit for card? They were accept visa for everywhere?

Use credit for restaurants, big purchases, and admissions. Cash everything else.

Thank you!!

Have a great time. We travelled to most of those places last year.

I carry cash everywhere (don't give anybody a reason to pick pocket you)use debit if you have to and pay for big purchases with a credit card. I go to Europe every year and that's how I travel

Marriott visa has no foreign exchange fees! We just use atm and with draw when we need it. Just got back from Europe Wednesday and it's easy.

So... can you get cash with your visa from a ATM? I'm sorry I'm getting a bit confused! Or you can say I pay with my visa and get cash from my debit card ?

Amazon card has no exchange fees.

Cash is better, credit card is handy if you're buying a big purchases

Cash is not a good idea. (I'm an ex-banker). Too many people get robbed on vacation. You are a target because people know you are a tourist. ATM's work with your card everywhere. If you need some cash, take it out that way.

So,
Joey use my visa is my best option? Can I get cash on the ATM with it?

Nancy use a debit card to withdraw cash, definitely NOT your credit card (which would hit you with a staggering fee for cash withdrawals). Entrances to museums, accommodation etc and meals can be paid by credit card in most places.

Thank you!!

Yes, I should have said debit card. I've been using mine in ATM and now POS in stores all over the world for years. Just make sure your PIN is 4 digits.

As a rule, take 3 methods of payment with you. Cash, credit and debit, in case you don't have access to one. When carrying cash, use a money belt and keep enough for what you think you will need for the day in your wallet (ex 100 euros), and keep another hundred or more, depending on your spending, in your money belt. Replenish at an ATM when needed. Use a no foreign exchange fee credit card when needed (ex large purchases or last day of the trip and and you run out of cash). Check your bank to see what partner banks they have in those countries and you can avoid some fees by using them. Also, most banks have a premium plan that allows multiple withdrawals worldwide. Switch to it temporarily for your trip, and if you can, keep the minimum balance while doing so to have the plan fee waived. Also, bring 100 usd for a just in case situation if you can't access any money.

Ensure you have some currency for the country you will visit...for tips, bottled water, etc. For everything you can usually get by with visa.

I always take two credit cards from two different companies. Also make sure the account you want to use for debit cash withdrawals is primary on your card...you don't get to choose checking or savings in Europe.

Thanks, I'm checking tomorrow with my bank everything.... and for the other things to make the trip I'm ready!! ?

Always bring photocopies of your cards, passports, everything. Personally, I store them in Dropbox.

That's a great idea
Joey. Dropbox!

Thanks
Joey, I'm working on that!!!