We have done a couple Viking tours; most recent was last summer.
It was “recommended” we tip both our bus drivers and our tour guides, so we needed lots of Euros for that (broken down in small amounts).
Comfortable shoes for the various excursions - lots of cobblestones and old European streets.
Yes to jackets. It’s interesting to go outside when going through the locks, and at night it can get chilly.
I’m not a big drinker and the wines with meals was more than enough, but others who like to drink more got the package that includes the alcohol. Would not have been worth it for me, though.
My first time I was not accustomed to having to put my room key in place first before turning on lights. There’s a spot for it inside the rooms.
I almost always went with the chef’s recommendations for food/wine, but there are plenty of options if it’s not appealing.
You’ll probably wear fewer clothes than you think - we were able to manage with just carry on size.
You aren’t going to need a lot of cash on the river cruise but you will need some cash for tip at the end of your cruise. (Though you can also I think put that on your credit card)I like to get cash when I arrive at the airport. I try to make sure the ATM is a “bank” machine versus a Travelex branded machine. I’ve always heard you get a better rate from true bank ATM machines. Definitely want some coins for restrooms.
As others have mentioned I carry two credit cards and a debit. If my H is carrying the 2nd card I make sure we aren’t both carrying cards with the same number. If one of your cards gets compromised and his 2nd card has the same number you’ll have a problem. I travel abroad enough that I have a Chase Sapphire card which is foreign transaction fee free. If your cards charge you might check what each card charges as it might make a difference in what card you bring.
Lightweight Crossbody bags are my choice when I travel. I swear by this product https://www.eaglecreek.com/shop/travel-security/silk-undercover-bra-stash-ec041124#hero=0
Although it’s pretty easy to get cash from ATM in many places (including airports), we felt better taking some cash with us. We “ordered” ours from AAA. Despite my plea for DH to use debit card at AAA, he used credit card - it a added big extra fee.
Note - On our Europe trips (and Japan), we used cash more than I though we would. Of course on the Viking cruise, many of your expenses are pre-paid. This is a general note to readers here.
Just got back from Greece. Many merchants won’t take a credit card, especially for a small purchase (say under 10E). If you ask the “machine is down” or “won’t connect to authorize”. Hotels will take credit cards, but this doesn’t apply to OP since they are doing a cruise.
I strongly suggest getting a money belt and carrying credit cards and most of your cash in it. Put enough cash for casual day activities in your pocket, and if you need more money then just go to the restroom and take it out there from the money belt.
As for precautions, Europe is pretty safe so warnings are more likely to unneccesarily worry you rather than help. That said, don’t leave things unattended. This means don’t set purses or cameras under your chair when eating. Also ignore any distractions like the youths asking you to sign their petition or if you speak English. Smile and keep walking, don’t stop and engage them.
We took the Viking Homeland cruise this past spring. (It was wonderful.) We needed cash for tipping the driver and tour guides. We had lots of stops and tours. We tipped in both Euros and dollars. We took $200 worth of Euros. What we didn’t use for tips and small purchases, we gave our room steward at the end. I took about $100 in ones and fives. If you get big bills from the ATM, they can change them on the ship. At least they did on the ocean cruise. At the end of the cruise, I went and changed the ones and fives for $20’s and they were thrilled to get them. ( Our DD3 lives in London and got us the Euros, so I don’t know how she got them. I am sure that she got a good rate, and she also got us small bills and coins.)
I am a little bit wary of ATMs in airports — I know someone who used one in the Milan airport and then was pick-pocketed. (But I am guessing she wasn’t too guarded with her bag.) But in general I agree that it’s a bad idea to change much (if any) money before you go — you won’t get a good rate. And lots of cards now waive foreign transaction fees. If you have a bank account with Charles Schwab, you also won’t pay ATM fees — they reimburse them anywhere in the world.
You would also do well to acquaint yourself with the common tourist scams, like the “friendship bracelet” scam that was very popular. We were never robbed in Europe, but we (except my very relaxed husband) always knew where our wallets were. Here’s a link to a page on scams: https://www.thetravel.com/25-of-the-most-common-tourist-scams-in-europe-to-watch-out-for/
Pre-paid cards, especially the Visa one - honestly don’t know about Travelex, can’t be used outside the purchasing country due to money laundering concerns. They often have incredibly bad exchange rates and fees attached.
Last year I used an ATM in the Amsterdam airport without any issues. I also found Amsterdam to be more card friendly than many other cities, to the point that cash wasn’t even accepted in some places.
My major piece of advice is to always pay in local currency. Dynamic Currency Conversion, or DCC, where the merchant asks if you want to pay in US $ “because it is so easy for you” is a sure way to lose on the transaction. You’ll be hit with the worst exchange rates ever. The answer is always NO.
Some ATMs are getting in on it as well. Crazy stuff. Avoid at all costs.
“I strongly suggest getting a money belt and carrying credit cards and most of your cash in it. Put enough cash for casual day activities in your pocket, and if you need more money then just go to the restroom and take it out there from the money belt.”
You really shouldn’t carry more than a couple hundred dollars in cash (at most!) at any time anyway, IMO. It just isn’t needed to have gobs of cash. If you’re traveling as a couple, each spouse can carry some. If off chance you are a victim of pickpocketing (do have your wits about you and don’t draw attention by dressing flashy), you won’t lose much.
I recently spent 10 days in Sweden and never changed money or got money from an ATM. They are a “card is king” country and it was very easy! (many places there don’t let you pay in cash). H thought he would need a 10 crown piece for a public toilet, but you could charge that too, lol.
Other countries prefer cash, so you may want some Euros, but don’t get too many. Notify your bank so you can use the ATM to get cash in any country you’ll be in, that’s cheaper that paying a money changing place. Make sure you charge with a card that doesn’t have a transaction fee. There are lots of them. That’s it!
Do NOT get a prepaid Travelex or a prepaid card in any way. You are going to lose 6% or more in the transaction.
Do NOT buy Euros at your local bank or at any exchange place. Again, you will lose 6% or more. Most likely 10% after they charge shipping. If you are OK with that then take 100 Euros.
Use your credit cards for as much as possible. You will need a Chip credit card, but they are more common now. Take the two with lowest foreign transaction fee.
Check your debit card. You need a 4 digit PIN for some bank ATMs. You may need to change your PIN before you go. Ask your bank about out of network ATM flat fee charges AND foreign currency charges. Both are charged by most national banks. This can rack up to a $5 fee plus 3% conversion charge. The international ATM will not charge a fee, your bank charges the fee, even though they will tell you differently because the tellers at the bank don’t know. Use the BANK ATM at the airport when you arrive. Make sure it is a bank ATM, not a Travelex fake ATM (which really is an automated currency exchange). If you are uncomfortable at the airport, make sure your taxi takes credit card and then ask your hotel for the nearest bank ATM.
Agree! I went to an Alpha Bank ATM in Greece and it asked me if I wanted to be charged in dollars. I selected “no” and then the next screen was something like “you’re making a mistake, are you really sure?” It may not have been exactly that bad, but they sure wanted to drive people towards DCC.
I remember this being the case in Germany and Italy, but I paid the ATM 2.50E in Greece to make a withdrawal at Alpha Bank and 2.60E at i-bank. And that charge is printed right on the receipt. I recommend always using an ATM on the outside of a bank. There are free-standing ATM machines that can charge anything they want. Someone told me that at the airport they were charged over 20E from the machine they used.
We have been fortunate to travel quite a bit over the years, both within the country and internationally. I understand people suggesting caution but, honestly, we’ve never used a money belt or taken overly drastic precautions nor have we ever had a problem. Well, one time a cab driver in Vancouver stole from us but that had to do with a dark trunk and an unscrupulous driver taking us from the airport to our hotel late at night and us not counting our items. If you’re more comfortable taking more precautions than you would when visiting a US site, feel free…I’m just sharing my views. Dh keeps his wallet in his front pocket and I carry a cross body with a strap that is cut resistant (not that anyone has tried to cut it) or a dooney bag when I need something larger – this is not only how we travel in and out of the country as well as locally.
One person did note above, and I’d like to echo, that bringing outlet converters and a means by which to convert one outlet to enable charging more than one item at a time are must haves. I also agree that having a copy of your charge cards, the toll free numbers to call in case they’re lost or stolen and a copy of your passport is helpful. We just have pictures of them that are accessible on our phones and the cloud rather than having actual copies but, again, you need to do what’s comfortable for you.
And I haven’t been on the cruise line you’re taking but I have appreciated having either a night light or small clock radio with me on other ships as I have found cabins to be pitch black and, if I wake in the night, I can’t figure out what time it is.
My husband kept his wallet in his back pocket and it was not touched. IMO risk of being a target for pickpockets in any city is related to how touristy you look and whether you are carrying your belongings carelessly. Even so, the likelihood of being victimized isn’t high. Reason to take extra precautions is because of the hassle factor of losing your passport and/or ability to pay while on vacation.
We have traveled extensively in Europe and Asia and always get some local cash at the airport. We don’t use just any ATM at the airport. We always seek out a bank ATM to use. H carries his wallet in his front pocket when we are in a busy city especially if we are on crowded public transportation and I use a cross body bag. We keep passports and extra money in our hotel safe when we travel.
I haven’t been on Viking but I have been on a river cruise. Our trip was on Ama Waterways and we really didn’t need much cash for that portion of our trip. At each stop they had choices of organized activities both morning and afternoon. It’s unlikely you will be on public transportation.
I always use a crossbody when traveling as I find it beneficial to have my hands free. For safety I try to have the zipper opening towards the front. I also don’t take a lot out with me each day. My preference is to bring a crossbody that isn’t heavy when empty. I try to only take what I think I will need each day otherwise I make good use of the in cabin safe. I put my credit and debit cards in my little bra pouch. If I needed it I could always reach inside the top of my shirt.
Second the advice about getting a crossbody bag that is lightweight, taking only what you need each day, and using the cabin safe. Also, if the cruise ship doesn’t offer a cleaning service or if you don’t want to use it—take some Tide liquid detergent packets (you can get them on Amazon). Packets are useful to wash a few things. Tipping isn’t as common in Europe—the cruise line should give you advice on who to tip.