Saturday, June 12, 2010

Travel Tip: Money matters

Dear Travelers, for more information on how to handle your travel funds, this is a website recommended by one of the CIC tour members: Here is lots of useful information about Travel money comparison also you can directly apply for money cards, travel cards and travel currency cards.
From Incantato's experience, we recommend bringing a small amount of cash (ideally already in Euro) plus a debit card; this allows you to withdraw money from any ATM machine with only being charged a small withdrawal fee. The fee differs between banks. The ATMs in the various countries have only their local currency. Be sure to call your bank before your departure to tell them where you are going and for how long so they won't freeze your account. Some debit cards given by the bank have the compatibility of Visa, MasterCard, however, Visa is the most widely accepted worldwide. If you bring cash, you can exchange it but you will be charged commission and given a less favorable exchange rate to pay for this service. Most places in Europe won't accept traveler's checks anymore or only at a hefty fees, thus we do not recommend to bring them. Also, be prepared to pay for water and a little fee for restroom use. Last not least, there are no free refills on soft drinks in Europe which is why most Europeans ask for little to no ice in their drinks.
Around 20 Euro per day should cover a snack for lunch, drinks, postcards, some souvenirs. Dinners start around 15 Euro and there is not limit to the sky. Now you may be a more conservative spender and there are many ways to lower your expenses such as:
· Most restaurants have menus outside so you can check their price range.
· Venture off the main roads to find a restaurant. These usually have more character, better food, and better prices.
· Bring your own water bottle. Most places have safe tap water to fill up with.
· Buy food from the "convenient" stores. You don't have to sit down in the restaurant for every meal.
· Shop around for souvenirs; many stores have the same things on sale for very different prices.

Last not least, remember that your Incantato Tour Manager is with you pretty much 24/7. Barbara is there to help you make the right choices.

1 comment:

  1. Here is lots of useful information about Travel money comparison also you can directly apply for money cards, travel cards and travel currency cards.

    ReplyDelete