European Travel Skills: Money & Safety

[tonysamos]

What Rick fails to mention is that not all ATM machines are created equal. There are many ATM machines like EuroNet that will charge you an exorbitant amount in exchange rates and fees. Don’t naively think you can go to any ATM and you’ll be getting the best rate of exchange possible with no fees.

[charlieclark]

It'd also be a good practice that when you are standing in public or on a train, do not stand with your back to people, sit or stand in a corner where you can see if someone is a potential threat.

[alanmaidman]

Travelling from Australia to Europe, before starting holiday be sure to inform your bank you will be out of the country and will be making withdrawals in foreign countries, otherwise they may refuse transactions.
I had this problem twice in the past when visiting Europe and also USA.

[watcher]

Charles Schwab checking will reimburse all ATM fees anywhere in the world.

[mjordan]

Chip-PIN and US cards. You usually can get a PIN assigned by your bank. I have a 90+% success rate with automated gas pumps - and I travel by motorcycle, so I'm buying gas often.

[PsalmS-vizl]

I knew a gal who traveled all over the world, by herself, and she always kept a few bucks in her pocket - she called this "mugger money", and everything else she carried in her money belt.

[thereseember]

As added protection, you can wear a flexible abdominal elastic brace over the money belt.

[brendajos]

This came up on auto play so I am seeing it long after posted but I am loving this. Pick pocket hand in your pocket reminds me of Times Square on NYE several years ago (SEVERAL!) I could feel a hand go in to my pocket and I just chuckled to myself because there was NOTHING in there. It was cold so I was wearing multiple pairs of pants and my money was on the pair underneath. Yes it was more difficult for me to get to but nobody was stealing my goods! :-)

[mezziemoo]

I am excited. I've spent a bit of money on extra security features, travel pacsafe backpack and wallet. I am also buying a cross over bag with security features (same as pacsafe, just a different brand). I've also purchased the money belt with RFID protection to carry my passport and extra money. The wallet or bag will only contain a days amount of money like your suggestion, however, how much is a "days amount of money in europe?"

[JenShea]

In 2 weeks I am heading to Europe, for 3 months. I want to share this video with those (few) family members who are worried about safety and the 'T word'.

[mike-uqxm]

lots of good advice thank you steve

[Tuffydipstick]

Not all countries in Europe use the euro UK uses ££££ Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Switzerland don't have euros they use different currencies

[crazyworldoccupant]

A skimmer on the ATM by the Vatican. Tsk tsk. Didn’t happen to me, happened to a relative and friend. I yank on the area near the pin pad for a skimmer, here and abroad.

[ClareDurst]

I agree with Rick on everything. He doesn't mention but others have that you need to notify the holders of your credit/debit cards that you will be abroad. BE SURE to also include your layover cities. i had breakfast in a layover in Heathrow and couldn't use my credit card, because I hadn't told them I was going there, just my destinations!

[Pfsif]

The small towns in Tuscany will NOT exchange US with EU currency, including the ATM machines.

[TeaandFiona]

I've had a friend who had her whole suitcase stolen from her hotel room. It was a nice hotel too

[savedfaves]

Was in a small town in the west of Portugal and they limited the amount you could take out of the ATM per day to €50. Marginally frustrating to say the least.

[hitenmehta]

I've watched at least a 100 of your travel videos. Very helpful and lot of information. Hope I run into you in Europe sometime when I begin to travel there more consistently. Cheers!

[betojoann]

Hello Rick, Do you have any updates on currency exchange places which are wise to go to and credit card info. Thank you! Love your videos!!!

[villegas]

great speech. Scammers are definitely the worse thing you will find in Europe. Everything else is wonderful.