Best option for currency when in Europe.

[CoolCat]

I work in Europe a lot and use a pre-filled 'credit card' and draw while over there.

I got a Euro myTravelCash card as it was top of the best buy tables at the time, you could always check the tables now.

I try to top it up when exchange rates are better, and spend it as I go along. I have spent most of the last few months flying in and out and have only spent about 20 euros cash (a taxi, I was in a hurry) and all the rest from canteen, hotels, shops etc all accept the myTravelCash card.

You can top it up from anywhere with a Sterling Switch card. You get cashback percentage which can work out quite a lot if you are running up big expense bills.

Its a lot cheaper than using Sterling cards for routine purchases.

[EternalOptimist]

It shouldn't be an issue in Italy, but just came back from Greece, and while the withdrawal limits don't apply to foreign cards, most ATMs are empty due to locals withdrawing all they can (via aunties, grandfathers etc)
In the end I did manage to find a non-empty ATM, but you don't want to spend your holidays chasing ATMs.

True. but that's an unusual situation.

In other news, I was up in jockland recently and they have the five pound note printed on plastic, which is good. I guess the Euro will follow a similar path and be printed on grease-proof paper

[yasockie]

I use option 4 now. a card for cash machines.

I tried every other option under the sun, but for reliability and convenience, it's number 4

It shouldn't be an issue in Italy, but just came back from Greece, and while the withdrawal limits don't apply to foreign cards, most ATMs are empty due to locals withdrawing all they can (via aunties, grandfathers etc)
In the end I did manage to find a non-empty ATM, but you don't want to spend your holidays chasing ATMs.

[Platypus]

I use option 4 now. a card for cash machines.

I tried every other option under the sun, but for reliability and convenience, it's number 4

I have to disagree. I find my card is sometimes declined when abroad, especially when trying to get cash out. Of course, you can phone customer services during UK office hours - useless if you're several timezones away. So I take cash which I get at my local bank or PO although my father uses an online money exchange which he says give the best rates.

[EternalOptimist]

I use option 4 now. a card for cash machines.

I tried every other option under the sun, but for reliability and convenience, it's number 4

[eek]

Snap - great concept, but unfortunately arrived a week after my latest foray into Europe.......my plan is to use for Amazon.de purchases, when the need arises, too

It works well for that :

[AtW]

Did you ask your accountant about it?

[kevpuk]

I have a supercard which is attached directly to either the company card or personal debit card as appropriate... That was limited release and I was lucky to get one.

I also have a ukash prepay card which you can put money on and will instantly credit the card. That was a great card until the one above arrived and is still my backup plan...

Snap - great concept, but unfortunately arrived a week after my latest foray into Europe.......my plan is to use for Amazon.de purchases, when the need arises, too

[eek]

I have a supercard which is attached directly to either the company card or personal debit card as appropriate... That was limited release and I was lucky to get one.

I also have a ukash prepay card which you can put money on and will instantly credit the card. That was a great card until the one above arrived and is still my backup plan...

[yasockie]

Long term, it's best to have a Euro denominated account in one of the more reputable countires banks (say Germany) and send money to that via 3rd party services like transferwise.com
But if it's one off, I'd do a combination of:
paying for the travel and accommodation in advance with a UK credit card, ideally in GBP or if in EUR, with a card that does not charge per transaction (usually Post Office has the best terms for this, but you may not be able to get the card on a short notice). Even if your bank charges per translation, it's usually £1 or so, and we're talking 1 or two transactions so I wouldn't worry about it.

Having paid for basics in advance even if you get pickpocketed, you have a place to stay and can come back easily.

Then you order some physical Euro notes and you collect them, in London there's loads of places with good rates (if you order online, in advance), UK wide Marks and Spencer or Post Office are the easiest places to go for it.
How much you get that way depends on your appetite for risk, personally I only get half the pocket money that way. Distribute the notes between your pockets, wallet, backpack/ carry on luggage etc.
The rest I withdraw when needed, in lump sums from local ATMs.
Depending on you bank, it may be more or less profitable to charge the bank in EUR and let the bank handle the conversion, or let the ATM company handle the conversion and charge the bank in GBP - the ATM will advise on the ATM side rates.

Other than that don't worry too much about - as long as you don't do tons of tiny transactions(each of which attract a minimum £1-2.5 charge) the fx won't hurt too much - enjoy your holiday

[tractor]

...

15 cheapest ways to get travel money - MSE

+1. this is where everyone should go before asking this kind of question here

[meridian]

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/tra...p-travel-money

[original PM]

So taking the ball 'n' chain, 'n' bin lids to Italy in a week for some Pizza and Ice-cream.

But what is the best way to take money is it

1) Buy Euro's before you go and only use cash
2) buy some euro's but buy some stuff on credit card
3) Take a pre-filled 'credit card' and draw while over there
4) Just get cash out whilst abroad.

So what do you seasoned travellers do?

What is best?

Or often are we only talking a difference of a few euro's so just do whatever?