Do I need Euros or Pounds?

Do I need Euros or Pounds – or just a credit card?

In the larger cities, credit cards are widely accepted.  You may not need any of the local currency.  However in smaller, rural towns the local shops may only take cash.  Also, the availability of places to exchange currency has dropped significantly in the past few years to the point that it may be difficult to find a place. Unless you are exchanging a lot of currency don’t waste time trying to shop around for a better rate, just take advantage of the first convenient place you come across.

TIP:  Although it has improved since Covid, there are still toilets that require cash (some without an attendant utilize turnstiles and require coins).  The cost ranges from .20P to 1 pound in the UK and .50 cents to 2 Euros on the continent.

TIP:  if you want to save time or the hassle of money exchanging while traveling, contact your local bank at home to see if they can provide Euros/Pounds before you leave. Unless you use buses that require  cash payments for tickets 20 Euros will probably suffice and should be available from your bank.

TIP:  Need some change to carry for the restrooms?  Use your stop at a grocery store to pick items such as bottled water to also get change.

TIP:  If you want to donate to a church or cathedral that you visit you may need cash for the smaller ones.  Larger churches have electronic means for collecting donations

TIP: While many buses allow ticket purchases via contactless means, not all buses do. Some cash to purchase bus tickets from the driver may be useful especially if you don’t have time to download an app to make the purchase.

TIP:  Not all countries in Europe use the Euro as their main currency. They will probably accept payment in Euros however the exchange rate will not be favorable.  Denmark, Switzerland, Czechia, Hungary, Poland, Bulgaria, Romania, Sweden and the UK have their own currency.

Using a credit card

You may need a PIN to use a credit card internationally. Some transactions involving credit cards will require a PIN. Although you may be able to enjoy your entire vacation without needing a PIN, making purchases from gas stations, some ticket machines, and in some instances credit cards with chips may require a PIN. To obtain one check with your credit card company. Note that a new PIN may be sent via snail mail and therefore take several days –  plan in advance.

TIP:  If your credit card does not charge a foreign transaction fee then using a credit card is usually the cheapest and easiest means of payment. If you are given a choice whether to pay in Euros or Dollars choose Euros because you will get a better exchange rate.

TIP:  Notify your bank that you are traveling so they don’t flag your credit card.  You should be able to do this online or by telephone.

TIP:  some credit card transactions will be rejected. I believe this is a security measure that rejects any credit cards not from EU banks. Make sure to carry a  bit of cash just in case.  This happened to me gettting on a bus.