Europe holiday money

[MrsMorse]

Off to Italy in early August and have no clue how best to pay for things. Should we get travellers cheques (do they exist?), and fx card (are they accepted everywhere), cash, or just use debit card while we’re there? Am aware the exchange rate is a shocker at the moment!

Travellers cheques - No
We took some cash to Spain but most purchases have gone in our Nationwide credit card as it doesn't have fees for foreign purchases. Our nationwide debut card is fee fee for cash withdrawals but we haven't needed to use it

Debit*

What's an fx? You need some cash in Italy as you can't pay for small purchases based by card. I would change some fash before going. And find out how much your bank pays for withdrawals and whether it has a reciprocal agreement with an Italian bank.

Sorry about typos! Banks in general charge in Italy for withdrawals (if it's not your bank) and you can't get cashback at supermarkets unfortunately.

Travellers' Cheques belong firmly in the 1980s.

Whether it's best to use your debit or credit card depends on the deal you have with your bank. Our account gives fee-free spending and withdrawals overseas, others don't. So there's no hard and fast rule.

You will still need euros. Order them online for delivery or collection at the airport for the best rates.

I just use my normal cards, pay for bigger things like meals on the card and then go to an ATM for cash for ice creams, smaller excursions where it's cash only.

I do this worldwide, Japan, USA etc. If you don't have a card that does free worldwide transactions, then get one!

Transferwise card transferwise.com/gb/borderless/card

No to Travellers cheques. You can get those cards (at the post office for example) that you put local currency on and use like a debit card, that will save on fees. If you do use a credit card or regular debit card and the shopkeeper (or machine) asks if you want to pay in euros or pounds ALWAYS pick euros.
Some cash is always advisable.

I've got A LYK card. Pre paid with Euros then use it like a debit card

Credit card for big stuff like hotel bill, debit card to withdraw cash (get larger amounts as often there's a minimum charge)

I use a Monzo card when travelling. Load up with Sterling then use as a debit card. You get a notification straightaway with the amount spent in € or whatever currency.

I take a few hundred in cash and then use my debit card or cash machines

You just need to use the right card. Read the moneysavingexpert travel money guide.

It's good to have 2 cards as a back up, and access to a credit card if you will be hiring a car, as that means you can leave the deposit and not have to pay the rip off excess insurance (buy in the UK for a fraction of the price).

Starling or Monzo debit card and then Santander Zero, Halifax Clarity or possibly a Nationwide credit card (check) for fee and charge free payments and cash withdrawals. The pre-pay cards offer nothing that these cards can, but cost money to use, so can't see the point.

Can you even get travellers cheques any more?

Monzo card.

Wherever we go we take the first few hundred in cash and then just spend as usual on our debit cards and use ATMs.

Monzo