Europe is a great place to visit. It’s full of history, it has a lot of great things to see and there’s so much fun stuff to do there that you never get bored. That’s probably why so many Americans of all ages choose to travel there. The Old Continent is an awesome place, but it’s very different from the U.S. Numerous things that work here, don’t work over there. Especially when it comes to finances. That’s why people often wonder what’s better for a trip to Europe, cash or credit?
Your credit card works in Europe as well
You don’t have to worry about not being able to use your credit card in Europe. Many large businesses, especially those who cater to travelers, accept credit cards. And this is great, because it means that you don’t have to carry a lot of cash with you.
What you should know, however, is that not all cards are accepted. Before getting on a plane, you should see first if your credit card can be of any use to you over there. MasterCard and Visa are some of the most used in Europe. Discover, on the other hand, is virtually useless.
And don’t forget that Europeans mostly use Chip-and-PIN technology. This means that you’ll have to know your PIN number, because they will ask for it.
Cash rules, no matter where you go
You can buy a lot of things in Europe with a credit card. But, if you want to avoid inconvenience, just bring some cash with you. You will be able to exchange it for the local currency. However, you must also remember to watch out for pickpockets. They’re always present, especially in areas frequently visited by tourists who tend to pay much more attention to the monuments or sights than to their belongings.
The Bottom Line
If you do your homework, you’ll know exactly what to pick when traveling to Europe. In some places, your credit card will be enough. In others, you might need some cash with you. And, if you really want to be safe, you can take both your credit card and some money with you.
