Originally Posted by
mcallaghan
Since we're on the topic - what do you guys do when overseas using foreign money? Carry same amounts? Or take out a large initial sum so that you aren't paying tons of bank fees each time? I'm headed to Ireland in May and am trying to figure out my best options in regards to cash as 1. I don't have a Chip+Pin Card and 2. A lot of my accommodations are Cash-only.
I have not been to Ireland, but I have been to continental Europe.
I carry more cash, ATM machines are much harder to find. Also since my credit cards are not chip and pin cards (or EMV cards) I usually do not try to use plastic for small purchases where I would use plastic in USA for those smaller purchases.
When I travel to Europe, I am frequently in tourist areas. That means pick pocket areas. I carry a fake wallet, it has enough cash for the day and a couple credit cards that expired about 15 years ago for accounts that I have closed.
I have some pants made by Exofficio that have an ankle height pocket that is zipped. Unless you are looking at my feet, you do not see the pocket. That is where my passport and plastic and rest of my cash is. I do not think they make those pants anymore, I have not seen them for a few years.