I'll be travelling from Australia, firstly to England for nine days then cruising the Med for 14 days and back to England for two weeks before flying home. I've been trying to work out my best options in regards to spending money. I will use my Mastercard on the ship as the shipboard account is charged in US$. Should I use my two credit cards - Visa and Mastercard or would it be best to purchase prepaid Visa cards in Euro and Stirling. I'm a bit worried about using my credit cards overseas as I'll be away for about six weeks. Any fraudulant charges may not be picked up for a while.
But I don't want to end up with lots of cash in another currency because of all the charges you get when changing money. How on earth do you decide how much cash to take with you in port?
Only yesterday there was a report on the news that half a million dollars was stolen from ANZ Bank customers. This was done by someone place a "skimmer" on a ATM. How prevalant is this in Europe?
First off, overseas credit card use carries a 2% or 3% premium.
What I do recommend is that you remain in touch with your credit card via the Internet. For instance, if you have an American Express account (and maybe you can do this with your Visa or Mastercard), you can check your account by registering your card. You would have to go to an internet cafe, but they are everywhere.
Secondly, it is not a good idea to carry around a lot of cash. BUT, you can withdraw funds from your bank account via ATMs. We have done so in Italy and in England, in Barcelona, in Istanbul and even in Russia. Again, you can keep in touch with your bank account via the Internet. I think it is a good idea to be able to monitor your accounts via the Internet. The time to set that up is now before you leave home.
All of that said, it is a good idea to have some US cash on hand, just in case you need it (we never have) or to have some sort of agreement with your bank or credit card to get money to you in an emergency when you are away from home. If you are carrying cash, use a money belt or split up your cash so that it is in several different places so if your pocket gets picked, they don't get it all. That goes for your credit cards, too.
Be especially vigilant. Don't fall for having mustard or ketchup splattered on you. If that happens, just keep going. Don't accept "help" from a "bystander". It might well be a member of a gang who will rob you. Don't give money to beggars. It exposes where you keep your money. (I know it is hard to be so hardhearted, but it is safer). Keep your money and your valuables in the hotel safe or the safe in your room (that includes your passport.) However, DO carry a copy of your passport with you. (You should always travel with a copy of your passport, just in case yours is stolen.)
One other bit of advice. Learn about the currency in the countries you are visiting, so you can compare local costs to U.S. costs. A lot of what looks like a bargain might be frightfully expensive once you do the math.
On the other hand, it is very ill advised to log on to any of your financial accounts from acomputer in an internet cafe, hhotel, airport, orANY unsecured or public place.
.
You might be all right doing it, but, then, again, you may not.
One way identitty theft can occur is through the use of stealth key-stroke logging programs. You can't tell if one is installed on a 'borrowed computer. These programs record the keystrokes you use to log into financialsites, and then those keystrokes can be retrievef late. So, just think carefully before risking accessing your finances, or typing any identifying information into a strange computer.
When we were in Europe we carried only as much cash as we were going to need for the next couple of days then make withdrawals from bank ATMs as necessary. The rates were as low as they were in the states if we had converted all our money ahead of time.
Also, remember that most European countries are on the Euro now. It sure makes it convenient only working in one currency.
First off, overseas credit card use carries a 2% or 3% premium.
What I do recommend is that you remain in touch with your credit card via the Internet. For instance, if you have an American Express account (and maybe you can do this with your Visa or Mastercard), you can check your account by registering your card. You would have to go to an internet cafe, but they are everywhere.
Secondly, it is not a good idea to carry around a lot of cash. BUT, you can withdraw funds from your bank account via ATMs. We have done so in Italy and in England, in Barcelona, in Istanbul and even in Russia. Again, you can keep in touch with your bank account via the Internet. I think it is a good idea to be able to monitor your accounts via the Internet. The time to set that up is now before you leave home.
All of that said, it is a good idea to have some US cash on hand, just in case you need it (we never have) or to have some sort of agreement with your bank or credit card to get money to you in an emergency when you are away from home. If you are carrying cash, use a money belt or split up your cash so that it is in several different places so if your pocket gets picked, they don't get it all. That goes for your credit cards, too.
Be especially vigilant. Don't fall for having mustard or ketchup splattered on you. If that happens, just keep going. Don't accept "help" from a "bystander". It might well be a member of a gang who will rob you. Don't give money to beggars. It exposes where you keep your money. (I know it is hard to be so hardhearted, but it is safer). Keep your money and your valuables in the hotel safe or the safe in your room (that includes your passport.) However, DO carry a copy of your passport with you. (You should always travel with a copy of your passport, just in case yours is stolen.)
One other bit of advice. Learn about the currency in the countries you are visiting, so you can compare local costs to U.S. costs. A lot of what looks like a bargain might be frightfully expensive once you do the math.
Have a wonderful time.
Roberta
Thanks Roberta. Being Australian I'll have no choice but to pay the 2% to the credit card company for the shipboard account as Princess will be charging that in US dollars. In England I'll need pounds Stirling and for the cruise ports Euro. I need to compare Australian dollars against the others.
I already have my accounts set up on line so that one thing less to do.
Thanks for the advice regarding thiefs. I never even thought about those kind of things.
On the other hand, it is very ill advised to log on to any of your financial accounts from acomputer in an internet cafe, hhotel, airport, orANY unsecured or public place.
.
You might be all right doing it, but, then, again, you may not.
One way identitty theft can occur is through the use of stealth key-stroke logging programs. You can't tell if one is installed on a 'borrowed computer. These programs record the keystrokes you use to log into financialsites, and then those keystrokes can be retrievef late. So, just think carefully before risking accessing your finances, or typing any identifying information into a strange computer.
I have a little "Security Token" linked to my accounts. I can view them just using my password and access code but to actually do any transactions I have to press the button on the token which produces a six digit code. This code disappears after 30 seconds. The next time you press it you get a different number. This gives me better security.
Oh yes, and contact your credit card company before you leave the country and tell them where you will be. Many credit cards have a standard policy of not honoring transactions that take place outside your home country in an effort to reduce fraud. It works unless it is you trying to make a purchase and you get denied!
I have a little "Security Token" linked to my accounts. I can view them just using my password and access code but to actually do any transactions I have to press the button on the token which produces a six digit code. This code disappears after 30 seconds. The next time you press it you get a different number. This gives me better security.
Quote:
Originally Posted by canarymoon
On the other hand, it is very ill advised to log on to any of your financial accounts from acomputer in an internet cafe, hhotel, airport, orANY unsecured or public place.
.
You might be all right doing it, but, then, again, you may not.
One way identitty theft can occur is through the use of stealth key-stroke logging programs. You can't tell if one is installed on a 'borrowed computer. These programs record the keystrokes you use to log into financialsites, and then those keystrokes can be retrievef late. So, just think carefully before risking accessing your finances, or typing any identifying information into a strange computer.
Canarymoon -- very proud of you.. When I read the first post I said to myself CRAP read fast need to tell this person, and anyone else listening that if you MUST (and I can not see a MUST - you can always call and have the person on the other end read line by line all your charges..) check you accounts in an internet cafe, to change your password ASAP, from a SECURE computer... Not many think like that...
As far as the token ring, yes one more security layer, but still be careful. So they cannot click a button to transfer money, these crooks are smart, they have enough info.
I did read all posts, and every tip given to you here has been excellent...
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Credit Card or Cash whats best?
I'll be travelling from Australia, firstly to England for nine days then cruising the Med for 14 days and back to England for two weeks before flying home. I've been trying to work out my best options in regards to spending money. I will use my Mastercard on the ship as the shipboard account is charged in US$. Should I use my two credit cards - Visa and Mastercard or would it be best to purchase prepaid Visa cards in Euro and Stirling. I'm a bit worried about using my credit cards overseas as I'll be away for about six weeks. Any fraudulant charges may not be picked up for a while.
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