I've recently read that traveler's check are no longer readily accepted in Europe. We had no problems on our last trip four years ago. I've seen some posts with folks having problems with locating Visa/Plus ATM's and would prefer traveler's check but not sure if this is now a viable option.

My friend took travelers checks last month and had alot of trouble exchanging them at a good rate. She ended up resorting to her debit card and just pocketed her travelers check.
Funny though... when we returned to Atlanta she tried to use one to get a drink at the airport. she got the same look and ended up using that debit card again.
I think we live in a plastic world.

I've watched many shop keepers in Assisi who just refuse to accept traveler's checks. Even at the large grocery store-Iper Coop-the clerk didn't know how to handle traveler's checks....but they accept credit cards.

The exchange rate isn't great either.

The last time I used traveller's cheques was in 2001 on a trip to London and Paris. It was a nuisance finding an AmEx office to cash them (no fee that way) and I think I was only able to use one in a major Dept Store. I haven't used them since, and have had no trouble using my ATM cards in Italy. I always take 2 bank cards(different banks) and my VISA card as well.

I bought Euro Travelers cheques a few years back and had such trouble using them. Several hotels we stayed would not accept them. Most businesses would not accept them. I was told it was because their bank charges them a service fee to deposit or cash them. We even had a difficult time at a bank in Arles exchanging them. We had to go to an exchange booth and pay a really high fee to cash them. Since then I have gone plastic...my husband brings two credit cards and his debit card and I bring my debit card and one credit card...we are fully covered. Plus I get a little bit of cash before I go to get me started.

I used them last year and NO ONE would take them except the bank and that was at a premium... higher exchange and a commission to cash them!!

Take your ATM and Credit Cards and use the ATM machines.

Doug

I took them last May and NO ONE would accept them EXCEPT the bank... and that was at a premium due to exchange rate and a commission.

Take your credit card and your ATM and use the machines for Euro's...

Doug

What do you suggest as a safe way of carrying currency for people who don't have credit cards?

Hmmm- carrying large amounts of cash can be a risky thing- even to leave it under the matress is chancy.
Cards are so easy to come by (check the junk mail pile!) Many places even offer a prepaid card if credit is a problem. A card used just to travel will make life easier.
I won't leave home without it!~ besides I am earning sky miles for the next trip.

I googled prepaid debit cards (and was relieved not to get hits connected to porn surfers) - I have often been involved in organising international development conferences where there were guests from countries where only a tiny minority of people and not even all professionals have credit cards.

I found thistransitions abroad - would be nice to have more info.

I think most of the migrant workers you see everywhere in Europe and North America just risk it, but they risk a lot of things.

Hi, I just went home to Switzerland and took a AAA debit card, travelers checks and CHF.
I used the debit card 100% of the time along with cash. The train stations all have ATM and AAA has a "FIND THE ATM" web site so you know just where to find the ATM. ATM charge fee is about a $2.00 fee but no fee when used like a credit card. One thing of importance *know your pass word in both numbers and letters* since the ATM's in Switzerland dont have the same number/letter key pad. Phones only have the numbers on them. I brought all my travelers checks back to the States with me