Thanks to everyone for coming to the meeting on Tuesday evening. We are very excited that we will soon be on the way. As the trip approaches, we will be giving bits of advice and reminders. Today, we are going to address the questions that came up regarding money and exchange.
Tip #1: Money Security
We recommend that each student carry some sort of money pouch. Walmart and Target have these, as well as most travel stores. The most important point is that these go under your clothing. Here are two common styles:
A. Waist Stash or Money Belt Style:
http://www.rei.com/product/819686/eagle-creek-undercover-deluxe-money-belt
B. Neck Pouch Style:
http://budgeteuropetravel.com/store/index.html
Tip #2: Buying Euros before you go.
It is easiest to call your local branch and order Euro. In most cases, they will order them without any prepayment and they come to your local branch the next day. We recommend no more than 150 euros on your person at any given time.
Tip #3: Money cards and bank cards.
This is the most efficient way to carry cash securely. The question of SIM (or "chip") cards that are becoming the standard in Europe came up at the meeting. Our tour operator gave these reassuring words about cash and bank cards:
Now regarding ATM cards, both the “chip” kind and older “magnetic stripe” work in various banks. Your students would be able to access money at the ATM machines without difficulty, if they have the CIRUS, PLUS or other international signs of Visa or Mastercard at the back of their card. My recommendation is upon arrival at the airport to have the students use their ATM cards to withdraw money as there is a plethora of ATM machines there. They may also use credit cards widely for purchases if they wish.
Tip #4: Exchange cash after we get there.
If time runs out, you may bring about $200 in American cash. We can exchange this at the airport when we land. The banks in the airport do not give very good exchange rates, but it works very smoothly.
Next time: Efficient packing.
Tip #2: Buying Euros before you go.
It is easiest to call your local branch and order Euro. In most cases, they will order them without any prepayment and they come to your local branch the next day. We recommend no more than 150 euros on your person at any given time.
Tip #3: Money cards and bank cards.
This is the most efficient way to carry cash securely. The question of SIM (or "chip") cards that are becoming the standard in Europe came up at the meeting. Our tour operator gave these reassuring words about cash and bank cards:
Now regarding ATM cards, both the “chip” kind and older “magnetic stripe” work in various banks. Your students would be able to access money at the ATM machines without difficulty, if they have the CIRUS, PLUS or other international signs of Visa or Mastercard at the back of their card. My recommendation is upon arrival at the airport to have the students use their ATM cards to withdraw money as there is a plethora of ATM machines there. They may also use credit cards widely for purchases if they wish.
Tip #4: Exchange cash after we get there.
If time runs out, you may bring about $200 in American cash. We can exchange this at the airport when we land. The banks in the airport do not give very good exchange rates, but it works very smoothly.
Next time: Efficient packing.
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