Euros for River Cruise
 

We will be taking a 2 week Viking river cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest, with 3 days in Amsterdam, and 3 days in Prague.

Wondering how much in Euro's I would need? Any suggestions.

A combination of a VISA card and a debit card for ATM's will work fine. We use a debit card tied to a Schwab account. Schwab waives all ATM fees plus reimburses you in the event your card gets hacked. I would hit an ATM at Schipol Airport in AMS for your initial Euro purchase then replenish as needed during your cruise. You will probably use your credit card more and use the Euros for small or cash only purchases, cab fares, etc.. Have a great time!

IMHO, never use a debit card card when traveling, if there is a skimmer--your bank account could be emptied--use a credit card and your exposure is limited--we have shredded all our debit cards--very unsecure

Like I said, Schwab reimburses everything ( Actually had that happen 2 years in Florence). Plus we use an account with just enough cash to cover what we anticipate withdrawing. Also, you get the actual market conversion rate, not the pumped up bank rate.

Did this very similar trip 2016, but less days.
Get small bills for tipping.
Eastern Europe is inexpensive
$1.00 for driver and $5.00 for tour guides is what we did
In Bucharest a taxi took my CapitalOne Venture Visa card, that was impressive
We did a 9 day tour and $230.00 cash was plenty
Enjoy your trip!

For the last 11 years, traveled through 6 countries, 65 towns, always used Debit card for cash in Euro's and Visa credit card, never had any issues. Always carries USD in tummy concealed pack, as backup.

I have traveled all over the would and used my Schwab debit card in ATM's everywhere. Never a problem and all fees are reimbursed and always get that days exchange rate with no mark up.

Bets card available if you travel outside the US. I even like it here as I don't care what ATM I see, that is the one I use. No fees ever.

We went to AAA and got a Starter pak of currency. We came home with most of it. ATM and Credit Cards were used almost exclusively.,

Ditto on the Schwab debit card. We have used ours extensively in Europe and Australia and never had a problem.

In order to open a Schwab checking account, it was a requirement to invest funds with them. That was ten years ago. I don't know if it is still true. We invested a minor amount with them. They have never bugged us to invest more. And they have the nicest telephone customer service department.