What will my out-of-pocket expenses be on a tour, and how should I get cash along the way?
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| Easy math: Low expenses + lots of ATMs = less stress. |
We are proud of the fact that any Rick Steves tour includes more in its "sticker price" than a typical tour from another company. This has a big impact on your out-of-pocket expenses in Europe — and it helps insulate you from the strong euro. In addition to hotels and group transportation, we include all group sightseeing admissions, all breakfasts, half of your dinners, plus all hotel, guide and driver tips…and often more (see each tour's web page for a detailed list). For the rest, you'll only need to access enough cash from your moneybelt — or from ATMs along the way — to cover your extra meals, beverages at meal times, snacks, souvenirs, plus public transportation and sightseeing costs during your free time. For these out-of-pocket expenses, we suggest you budget between $50 and $75 per person per day.
Accessing Money in Europe
If you plan to use credit cards and/or access ATMs for cash while you're in Europe, it's important to have an alternate source of cash if one method doesn't work. We strongly recommend you bring both a credit card (for purchases you want to be billed for later) and a debit card (for ATM withdrawals from your bank account). IMPORTANT: Always carry these cards inside the free moneybelt you'll get with your tour!
A debit card allows you to get cash in local currency from European ATMs at a rate close to the excellent interbank/wholesale exchange rate. For your debit card to be widely accepted overseas, it should ideally have a Visa or MasterCard logo on the front — and it must have a Cirrus or Plus symbol on the back. You also need to know your four-digit numeric PIN code as many European machines do not accept longer codes and do not have alphabet letters marked. Before you leave, ask your bank about its overseas transaction fees (range from 1-4%) and daily withdrawal limits. Also ask your bank which European banks are affiliates — using these banks can reduce ATM service charges. Let your bank and credit card companies know that you plan to use your debit or credit cards overseas, so they do not freeze your cards because they detect "unusual spending patterns" when they see transactions in Europe.
Keep your ATM transactions simple: most European ATMs allow you to withdraw money from checking accounts only (no savings withdrawals or savings-checking transfers). Make sure you have sufficient funds in your checking account before you leave!
A Visa or MasterCard credit card also offers excellent exchange rates, as well as important fraud protection. Use your credit card for hotels, meals, souvenirs, and other major expenses. While many credit cards can also be used for "cash advances" at ATMs, the steep interest rate and fees you pay make this an option for emergencies only. Get a PIN code assigned to your credit card, just in case, and find out about fees (range from 1-4%), interest rates, and currency conversion charges before you leave. And, as at home, save all receipts and check your statement.
Finally, photocopy all of your cards (front and back). Ask your bank for a phone number you can call collect from outside the US in case you have a problem (800 numbers generally do not work outside the US, so ask for one with a "real" area code).
Travelers Checks R.I.P
We discourage the use of travelers checks in 21st century Europe. But if it gives you peace of mind, there's nothing wrong with bringing a small emergency stash of travelers checks (in US dollars, not euros) as a back-up for those rare times when a card is eaten, the computers are down, or you simply can't find the right type of ATM.
What about Tipping?
Your driver is well tipped by Rick Steves. Likewise, your guide and all local sightseeing guides are fully paid. Please do not tip them! It is not necessary for you to tip the restaurant staff when group meals are provided, nor is it necessary to tip the hotel staff during the tour. For meals on your own, your guide will explain local tipping customs once you're in Europe.