Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Europe
Money ! Money !
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Europe Topics specific to Western and Eastern Europe, from UK to the Russian border, and south-east to Turkey.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 9 Aug 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: tyneside
Posts: 20
Money !
first off sorry if this is in the wrong sub forum but not really sure where to ask.

anyways..coming up to my first euro road trip and was wondering what to do about the money aspect of things.

rough route is ...England-France-Belgium-Ger​many-Czech Republic-Slovakia_Hungary_​Slovinia_Croatia_Bosnia&He​r zegovina_Montenegro_Serbi​a-Romania-Hungary-Poland then home.

not really sure on whether to change into local currancies as needed...use euro's or just use the bank card and take a hit on transaction fees? :confused1:

one suggestion is to use pre loaded credit cards but i can see that causing me problems

i would personally like to have some local coin to hand as i feel it would be be an ideal way to interact and also pull me out the crap should a problem arise.
the only thing thats putting me off is the hassel factor.

any insights please folks?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 9 Aug 2011
gixxer.rob's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Back in Melb
Posts: 287
Cash and Caxton
We used a combo of both local cash and these caxton FX cards that worked 95% of the time in the following countries. The country we had the most trouble was Poland.

England-France-Belgium-Ger​many-Czech Republic-Slovakia_Hungary_Poland

Which Pre Paid Holiday Travel Card is best for me? | Caxton FX
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 9 Aug 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,598
I used credit card for fuel in czech and poland but they also will take euros in cash, you might have to haggle a little for rates.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 9 Aug 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Cornwall, in the far southwest of England, UK
Posts: 597
+1 on Cash and Caxton
We use that combo too, along with a couple of credit cards as back-up (one of each, i.e. a Visa & MasterCard).

We were a bit nervous about our Caxton FX cards at first (we have one each), but the system does work. We experienced a small problem with our online running statements, insofar as the arithmetic simply didn't add-up for a while. Phoned Caxton in the UK (from Oz) with our concerns; spoke to a real person within three rings, who knew exactly what she was doing and what the problem was. She sorted out the issue there-and-then; AND followed-up with a re-assuring e-mail within 30 minutes. Now how different is that from what we're used to!?

Tip: When pulling cash out of ATMs with our Caxton FX cards, we did notice some banks provided better exchange rates than others; and some charged a transaction fee, whereas some didn't .. so these aspects need to be monitored (and exploited).

Good luck - enjoy your trip

KEITH [& ELLEN]

.
__________________
Right Way Round ...
Last edited by Keith1954; 10 Aug 2011 at 11:10.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 9 Aug 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 21
Hi,

I live in Antwerp, Belgium, and this is what I would recommend:

VISA and MASTERCARD are accepted almost everywhere, also at gas stations. You won't have any problems in W-EU with this.

For CASH, go to a BANK, NOT an exchange bureau, banks give you a better conversion, although you need sometimes to order them in front...

If you come to Belgium, and stay here a day or night, give me a mail! (seb@fotografix.be)
I can help you with a few things if you're interested...
__________________
www.wanderingsouls.be
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 9 Aug 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne UK
Posts: 252
Having done european trips for the last 5 years this is the best option of me

Go to Tescos that have the travel bureau

Ask for 2 Euro cards... then you can hide one on the bike as an emergency

you can put on as much cash as you like and you can top it up on line when your away
heres the website

Travel Money Card – Carry your Foreign Currency Safely with Cash Passport Card

I use cash for campsites and food
For fuel I use my Santander o% visa card, this does not load any money on it for foreign transactions

For cash in non Euro countries I use my normal santander cash point card though I do end up paying a couple of quid charges

I do believe Halifax do a Zero charge Visa for cash withdrawals abroad, this is something im looking into

Any probs give me a shout.. looks like Im from your neck of the woods

Cheers
Geordie aka Will
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 10 Aug 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: East Anglia/London, UK
Posts: 73
No! The tesco currency exchange, in store gives bad rates!!!

Cheap Travel Money: Top cards for spending abroad...

this will tell you where you can get best to be delivered

I used an ICE prepay card, round europe in June, but the customer service before travelling was a bit of a nightmare, only open 9-5 to sort out pin nos, etc. Out of these hours, it just goes through to one of their shops at the airport.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 10 Aug 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: tyneside
Posts: 20
hi folks

thanks for all the replys

some great advice given and from doing some research it looks like a caxtonfx global card would be the best for me.

@keith1954...thanks for the tip about ATM exchange rates/fees...any chance you can remember which ones gave the best?:confused1:

@00-seb-00...thanks for the offer of help.just passing through belgium on the way out but may give you a shout on the return leg

@geordie_e...cheers bonny lad...ahm jus ganning aboot getting stuff sorted like but ah might gi ye a shout te pick ya brains.ahllweys got a fancy fer a dog catcher or two doon the toon if ya fancy like
(lets see if others can decipher that)..lol
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 10 Aug 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Cornwall, in the far southwest of England, UK
Posts: 597
Quote:
Originally Posted by obrut View Post

@keith1954...thanks for the tip about ATM exchange rates/fees...any chance you can remember which ones gave the best?:confused1:
Only used Caxton FX down in Aus (for the first time, earlier this year).

Commonwealth Bank of Australia .. always did us proud. No transaction fee, plus a good exchange rate.

.. rocks! ..

.
__________________
Right Way Round ...
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Money; Americans vs the Rest of the world regard money and travel The Raven Money Saving Ideas, making travel money 60 21 Feb 2024 00:04
I would put money mcgiggle Website Feedback 3 23 Jun 2008 02:31
Money.... Tenere Tom TRAVEL Hints and Tips 7 21 Feb 2008 18:20
money trand69 TRAVEL Hints and Tips 3 23 Jan 2004 18:20
Money!! Billy Bunter Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else 3 3 Aug 2002 12:41

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 01:44.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top