Money on trip

How to pay and get money during your trip. Credit card, bank card, travelers cheque and cash.

Credit card

Credit cards are the most common means of payment in Europe. Either VISA or MASTERCARD. With a credit card you can pay in supermarket just like in hostels. You can also withdraw cash at almost any ATM/cash machine.

It is important to inform yourself in advance about the amount of the fees you have to pay for cash withdrawals and credit card payments abroad. There are companies offering cards without any commission for it.

There are also prepaid credit cards available.

The Raildude recommendation is to travel with a credit card.

Bank card

Many European banks offer regular bank cards. Make sure that your bank card has the MAESTRO symbol. Then you can withdraw cash at most European ATMs /cash machines. Payment by credit card is usually not possible in hostels or supermarkets.

Cash

It is always good to have a small cash reserve with you for emergencies. It is best to store it in several different places. A good place is always in your socks.

Doing the whole trip with cash is possible, but at the beginning you will carry quite a lot of cash with you.

Traveller's cheques

Traveller's cheques are not really used anymore. We do not recommend them anymore. You always have to stick to the bank 's opening hours and it can be a very long procedure, until you receive your money in cash.