Europe Travel and Your Money

Most experienced travelers to Europe have switched from traveler's checks to using ATM cards for cash transactions and currency exchange. But sporadic reports suggest that some smaller banks and credit unions are "switching off" international use of their ATM cards, and that could be a big problem if you're in Europe without access to your money. How to be safe? First off, you'll want to call your ATM provider and make sure the card is usable in Europe. You will also want to call your credit card companies as well (As fraud increases with the proliferation of cards, your transactions are scrutinized to the point where you may not be able to use your card under any unusual circumstances, like purchasing goods overseas for example. Read about our credit card experience to see what I mean.) I tend to feel more secure when I'm carrying a few travelers checks in dollar denominations just in case, using them back in the US if no emergencies occur in Europe. For more on currency for travelers, see our Money Matters Directory.