Looking around, I realize that many places may not accept Discover which is my go-to. I also have a Mastercard I can use. I’m seeing places that say Eurocard/Mastercard. Does that mean that they only take that type of MC, or would an ordinary American-based one be acceptable? Some places name Visa, AE, (neither of which i have) or that Euro/MC version, so I need to know if mine will work. Thanks!
Mastercard, American-style, is totally fine. I recommend Mastercard or Visa when traveling abroad as they are the most widely accepted.
Thanks! That’s what I thought, then I saw that Eurocard/Mastercard version on several websites and wondered if it had to be the EU type–didn’t think it was likely but wanted to be sure.
I used it all over Ireland without a problem, but like I said, like to be sure.
Can’t wait to see how Paris is feeling about Americans…
We used our Citi American Airlines Mastercard a lot last time we were in Europe and plan to use it primarily this next time as well, because it has no foreign transaction fee. My backup is a Fidelity Visa card that has a 1% fee. We will only use this one if MC is not accepted. I don’t remember ever having a problem with it. In fact I was surprised how many places accepted the credit card, in Hungary, Austria and the Czeck Republic.
I am going to the Czech Republic and was told that Amex is not widely accepted there, so I plan to use my Costco Visa which no longer has foreign transaction fees (or so I have heard).
When I go abroad, my choice of card is Chase Sapphire Preferred Card:
https://www.cardratings.com/best-credit-cards-with-no-foreign-transaction-fee.html
Ditto on what’s already been mentioned–get cards that have no foreign transaction fees (Capital One, for example).
ALSO–when given a choice between charge in dollars vs local currency, always choose local currency. That way, your bank decides the exchange rate. If you choose dollars, the vendor’s bank makes that call, often not in your favor.
Be sure you call your bank(s) to tell them when and where you will be traveling, or you could find yourself cut off by the fraud detection systems.
“Be sure you call your bank(s) to tell them when and where you will be traveling, or you could find yourself cut off by the fraud detection systems.”
Always good to do so but, kind of creepily, the past few times I’ve done so the credit card company already had it on record from purchasing tickets using the card.
@sylvan8798 We don’t say ‘we’ are going overseas, we say either I or Dh is going; that way, the house is not left unattended in the eyes of potential thieves!
@garland be sure to check out Sandeman Tours; they offer free one hour walking tours of the city, throughout most of Europe. These tours are extremely informative and leave you wanting more…which will cost you!
We used our Costco Visa in March for our trip to Ireland, Prague and London and it worked great with no foreign transaction fees.
Discover is part of the Diners club network (look on the back of your card) and we were able to use it in any places in europe. No transaction fee either.
@jym626 --I didn’t realize that, thanks for the tip!
As far as travel safeguards, we have traveled befor,e and to Europe, and I do know about calling banks/cards. This was mostly to find out if there was a recent card-specific issue.
But all info appreciated.
Ask for a four digit pin for your card if you don’t already have one. Many European vendors don’t have you sign, but have you enter the pin like you would for a debit card.
Also, we found the easiest way to get cash was to use our bank card in any ATM and withdraw the money in local currency. No lines and just standard ATM fees rather than exchange fees. Let your bank know where you are traveling so your card will work this way.
When I last went to Europe as a big Discover card only person, I got a Bank Of America travel visa - no international transaction fees, no annual fee, and it had a chip. At the time most cards did not have a chip.
Since cards vary, it’s really important to let your bank know where you will be traveling. Our bank is very strict so if you say France then try to buy something in Switzerland you might be out of luck. Also, American Express as noted is not accepted in many places (but it CAN be used for car rentals-our platinum card gives you free car insurance which is expensive). This was really helpful when my spouse backed into a wall in Switzerland.
Amex is also more accepted in big cities than towns but I wouldn’t rely on it. Travelers checks are a hassle. They were used a long time ago and used to be the best means of getting around but that was ages ago. You might want to have a couple of hundred dollars in travelers checks in case your wallet is stolen but otherwise pretty useless and lots of overhead.
Check bank fees VERY carefully and more importantly check Foreign Exchange fees carefully. Some banks will take quite a bit and give you lousy rates and you may not even realize it. Also, note that in Europe many shops are locally owned and they don’t want to accept cards. So having Euros in small bills is advised.
Remember the tip is often included. Learn the word for tip and check the bill. Bread fees and other charges can also be added in touristy areas ( the worst place is probably Venice where they charge you a bread fee you cannot refuse). And Europeans do not tip as highly as Americans. Know the tipping policy in each country and look on the menu.
@garland - typo above - able to use it in MANY (not any) places - but any that took diners club!
Most credit cards now let you set up an alert where you get a text message when you use the card. I usually get the text instantly: Immediately when I use the card at a cash register, or before the waiter returns with my card/bill at a restaurant. But overseas it is even better, because I get the text (again, almost immediately) that tells me how many US dollars I have been billed for a charge made in foreign currency.