Is it safe to use credit card in Europe?

When Europeans buy something with plastic, they insert their card, then type in their PIN. Despite some differences between European and US cards, there's little to worry about: US credit cards (Visa and MasterCard) generally work fine in Europe.



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Should You Use Cash or Credit When Traveling to Europe? Most international travelers will end up using a combination of cash and cards when visiting Europe. While credit cards are accepted in most situations, currency can be more convenient for public transportation and small vendors.

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Credit cards remain the best all-purpose payment method, accepted in far more places abroad than debit cards. It's also a good idea to take more than one card with you when you go away to avoid finding yourself without any resources if your card is lost, stolen or blocked.

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Although using a credit card to pay for travel is more convenient and safer than using other methods, you still have various options available to you that you can use to book your travel. PayPal, cash, gift cards and debit cards all make it possible to pay for travel without a credit card.

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First and foremost, you want to ensure that the credit card you take to Europe is widely accepted. Generally, the Visa and Mastercard networks have wider acceptance there than Discover and American Express. While you can certainly bring your Amex and Discover cards, it's best to pack a backup.

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Credit card transaction fees are typically higher than debit cards. Shops may charge a fee, and banks may charge a conversion fee for the payment. If the merchant hasn't displayed fee notices, travelers should inquire with the staff. Credit cards may be subject to ghost charges or temporary holds.

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Paying with cash in France You can use your card in France for most things, but if you want to shop at the street markets, you'll need cash — ATMs are typically onsite. Places like Porte de Clignancourt and Les Puces de Montreuil in Paris have some amazing deals for things you never thought you'd find.

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Is it cheaper to use a credit card or debit card in France? Credit card transaction fees are typically higher than debit cards. Shops may charge a fee, and banks may charge a conversion fee for the payment. If the merchant hasn't displayed fee notices, travelers should inquire with the staff.

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5 tips to protect your credit cards on vacation
  1. Lighten up your wallet; opt for cards over cash. Don't carry large amounts of cash — use a debit or credit card instead. ...
  2. Use a card for protection and control. ...
  3. Never leave your card unattended. ...
  4. Look out for ATM skimming scams. ...
  5. Check your account statements.


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