What's the lowest amount of cash you carried for an overseas trip?

[sv2007]

Here's another curious cash question.

Once for a business trip to Glasgow in 2002, I only had $20 USD on me. I meant to take more,but didn't have time to go to the bank.

[dawnwes]

Back in the day I used to travel with traveler's checks. I was stuck on an Island in the Indian Ocean for a week with only $40 US on me.

Thankfully it was the airline's fault and they put me up in a hotel on the beach and it included two meals per day. Since the meals were served 7-11 and 4-8, I tried to time my meals to eat breakfast later and eat more (buffet style) so that I could make it until dinner.

I didn't speak the language and thankfully a nice English couple was there and allowed me to sit with them for meals and would talk to me. Otherwise I had a book with me and sat on the beach. That was before the days of cell phones and internet.

I also had no credit cards or any way to get more money.

It was an adventure!

[moneybags]

I just got back from a trip to Europe. I brought $300 with me, but I didn't spend any of it. We used ATMs to get local currency.

[cypher1]

I just got back from a trip to Europe. I brought $300 with me, but I didn't spend any of it. We used ATMs to get local currency.

Same for me with coming back from Iceland. Expensive, but I only used my CC, and only cash transaction was for a soda which took USD. Germany was the complete opposite. While taking mostly Euro or local debit cards, they don't like debt, or CCs.

[disneysteve]

I was also going to say about $300. Other than incidentals like tips, I'd likely be charging almost everything. Just make sure you have a credit card that doesn't impose a fee on international transactions. Also check the fees for using your ATM card.

[moneybags]

I was also going to say about $300. Other than incidentals like tips, I'd likely be charging almost everything. Just make sure you have a credit card that doesn't impose a fee on international transactions. Also check the fees for using your ATM card.

Make sure you have 2 different credit cards. On my last trip, my card numbers were stolen, and we had to cancel the card mid-trip.

If you have a Schwab checking account, they reimburse for all ATM fees (local and abroad).

[snafu]

We have changed banks several times because they are charging ever increasing fees for foreign ATM machines and the foreign bank also charges a fee which can be difficult to ascertain. I ask questions and get different answers so it's always a surprise. If you can figure out foreign affiliations you get better rates or waived fees. The 2nd issue with CCs is that the exchange rate doesn't reflect the 'official' rate we see posted for currency exchange.

In some countries they add on a fee if you choose to use a CC. If you want to try out non tourist restaurants/events/shopping/zones, vendors 1st establish that they want their currency cash! I figure they don't keep accurate records or report true income. Friends who visit Greece regularly laugh to point of pain over how income is deduced in that country.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

why bother? Just go to an atm and grab cash. Safer as you need it.then you don't have to change money. We've done this whenever we've traveled so when we're gone for a month or more we don't feel the need to carry so much cash.