Interview with Marc Terrano about short-term travel money options for Europe
Where did you visit in Europe?
Marc visited: London, Paris, Rome, Prague, Split, Amsterdam, Munich, Barcelona and Switzerland. He stayed on the continent for a month.
What cards did you take with you?
Why did you take these cards with you?
Marc took the Citibank Plus Transaction Account as his primary travel account to use in Europe. He applied for this account specifically for his trip. He used the Citibank Plus for ATM withdrawals and in-store purchases. Marc had no problems using his card and he used European bank ATMs so he could avoid the local ATM operator fee too. Marc notes that the Citibank Plus card did not have a CHIP (recent issues of this product do have a CHIP), so he was conscious of not using his card to withdraw cash at dodgy looking ATMs. Marc is back in Australia and continues to use his Citibank Plus Account for day to day spending. He likes the fact that the account is low on fees. He'll be using the Citibank Plus Transaction Account when he goes back to Europe too.
Marc used the Commonwealth Bank Smart Access as a backup card. The Commbank Smart Access account was Marc's main account in Australia before he went to Europe. Marc was topping up his Citibank account from his Commonwealth Bank as he needed more money. He kept the Smart Access card in his passport in case he lost his Citibank card.
What about ATM withdrawals?
Marc withdrew $300 - $500 Australian dollars in Euros each time. Citibank didn't charge Marc an international ATM fee, and Marc doesn't remember paying too many local ATM operator fees either.
Could you use your card everywhere?
Marc could use his Citibank card everywhere. He was given the option of paying in Australian dollars in a few places, but he chose to pay in Euros instead. The exchange rate is more favourable paying in the local currency.
What do you think is the best way to travel with money in Europe?
If you're like Marc and you don't have a credit card, Marc recommends the Citibank Plus Transaction Account. He also advises that everyone to take a backup. Whether it's a travel card, another debit card, traveller's cheques or a credit card, Marc says it's important to have options.
What are your travel money tips for Europe?
- SMS alerts. You're required to confirm transfers between some accounts by entering a SMS verification code. This can be a problem if you're using an international SIM. Marc spoke to the Commonwealth Bank directly to disable this function while he was overseas.
- Call your bank. Marc says it only takes five minutes to tell your bank about your travel plans. This stops your bank from blocking your account when you make a purchase or withdrawal.
- Tipping. Tipping varies depending on what country you're in. In some countries and in some restaurants the tip is worked in as an automatic 'service fee', especially in Italy. Always read the bill to avoid paying two tips! Marc was told to tip 10% if he wanted to, but the service is shocking in some European restaurants so he didn't always follow this rule.
Hi!
I’m travelling to UK and Europe at the end of the year, and am considering applying for a Citibank Plus Transaction Account. I’ve noticed when I search for ATMs using the Citibank’s ATM locator (online) there don’t seem to be all that many ATMs in UK/Europe!
Just wondering if Citibank ATMs are the only ones I can use to withdraw cash abroad (without incurring fees) or whether Citibank has an alliance with other banks which would allow me to use their ATMs.
If so, which banks/ATMs are these?
Thanks!
Louisa
Hi Louisa,
Thank you for your question.
Unfortunately, Citibank does not have a bank or ATM partner in the UK and Europe. However, please note that there are no currency conversion fees nor international transaction fees applicable when using the Citibank Plus Transaction account overseas. Citi will also not charge you ATM fees when using any ATM in the world. If you use overseas non-Citibank ATM for withdrawal, the third party ATM operator may charge a fee which Citibank cannot control.
Cheers,
May
Hi Everybody,
I’m planning a trip from Australia to six countries in Eastern Europe and only one country on the list accepts Euros. What’s the best cash travel card to withdraw local cash from ATMs?
Thanks
Hi Greg,
Thanks for your question.
Australian travel cards mainly support Euros, but you probably won’t find a card that supports some of the currencies you will need in Eastern Europe. If you make a purchase in an unsupported currency, your Euros will be converted into the local currency and you will be charged a currency conversion fee. You might want to select a card that doesn’t charge foreign currency conversion fees. The Commonwealth Bank Travel Money card doesn’t charge currency conversion fees on supported or unsupported currencies. However, this card does charge ATM fees.
You can compare card ATM fees on our travel money guide, though you will find that most cards charge an ATM fee or currency conversion fee when withdrawing funds in an unsupported currency. As such, you’ll want to compare the fees and at least try to find one that’ll charge you the least.
Please ensure to read through the relevant product disclosure statement and terms and conditions of the card to ensure that you got everything covered before you travel.
I hope this helps.
Cheers,
Sally
hi there!
i am really thinking about moving to Berlin to live.
I have applied for my british passport.
What long term solutions for money are recommended?
I have had friends say to get the citibank card and others say maybe get a HSBC account which is international…
I would like some tips if im thinking of moving there at least 6 months to a year or longer but would also like to travel around europe whilst over there.
Cheers!
Hi Benny,
Thanks for your question.
Your ‘best’ option will depend on your financial situation, travel plans and spending habits. If you’re interested in either a Citi or HSBC account, you would benefit from comparing the two side by side and considering the fees, benefits and features of each account to weigh up which one you can both afford and receive the most value from.
Please ensure to read through the relevant product disclosure statement and terms and conditions to ensure that you got everything covered on your transactions.
I hope this has helped.
Cheers,
Sally
My daughter is going to Europe for first time with packaged tour for four weeks, mainly currency is euro, except Czech republic. What is the best way to manage her spending ?
Hi Chi,
Thanks for your question.
The information on this page outlines a range of suitable options to take and suitable products for Czech Republic travel money guide. Your daughter may choose to take multiple products with her to manage her spending. It is always a good idea to have more than one travel money option, so you might want to consider a credit card that is designed for overseas expenses for emergencies and big purchases and a debit card or prepaid card and cash for everyday expenses.
Cheers,
Shirley
rite of passage (not right of passage)