OT-trip to Europe recommendations for DD

[tmatthews]

My DD 16 is traveling to Germany, Austria, and Switzerland w/ her high school. I need to be sure she has enough $$ and is safe. Any tips on transferring dollars to euros or tips for traveling to these sites in general?
Thanks!!!

 

[Safari Queen]

I think the safest way to get foreign currency is to hit an ATM in-country. That way she doesn't have to carry a lot of cash at any time. The tough part will be changing currencies with each country. Germany uses Euros but Austria and Switzerland have their own currencies. I've never visited the later two but I can usually spend Euros in the UK. Anyone know if the Swiss and Austrians accept Euros in shops and restaurants?

 

[Tnkrbelle565]

I did one of those trips at 16! Your daughter will have a blast...i will warn you that she will probably get bitten by the travel bug however and will want to go back. I ended up spending my junior year of college abroad too because I loved it too much.

In terms of money...your local bank or AAA can order her some euros to have ahead of time. Warn her NOT to exchange money at the airport, they usually have the worst rates. Tell her to exchange $$$/traveler's checks at the banks while over there. I'm sure you are aware that the dollar's value is very low right now so if you have some time until the trip, check the exchange rate daily and if it gets a little better...go then. She can use foreign ATMs but the fees are insane so I would suggest skipping that. Same with the CC fees if she uses her CCs over there. However, those trips are usually really organized and meals, etc are included. She will only need spending money.

In terms of safety, I'm assuming there are adult chaperones attending. My parents and the other students parents met with the chaperones ahead of time. One big thing I remember them discussing is whether we could drink or not. (you should work this out with your child/the school ahead of time).

 

[Tnkrbelle565]

Austria and Germany both use the Euro. Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc still. You can also order this from your local bank or AAA.

 

[tmatthews]

I am hoping she will have the time of her life!!! We did meet w/ chaperones and they will allow beer/wine drinking if you sign a form. The good thing is only 34 kids are going so it should be a lot of fun.


How about the cords? Where would I get the plugs she will need to be able to use hairdrier and such?

 

[taitai]

Make sure she has an ATM card and a CC. Do not use travelers checks. They are extremely difficult to cash and you lose so much money on them. They were big in the 70s but I don't know any serious traveler who uses them now. ATMs are EVERYWHERE in Europe so she won't have a problem accessing cash. Just make sure her PIN is all numbers.

I have never brought Euros to Europe unless I have had some left over from a previous trip. I always get my first supply of cash from an ATM in the airport. There has always been one or two in the baggage claim area to get me started. However, if you are nervous about her starting off with some spending money, get about $100 from your bank or the departure airport. Yes, the exchange rate will be horrible either place but with such a small amount it really doesn't matter if it is going to bring you piece of mind.

In terms of converters and plugs...she can get those at Target.

Hope she has a great trip.

taitai