Managing Your Money Across a Schengen Trip Without Fee Surprises

Frequently asked

Do I still pay fees moving between euro countries?

Spending euros across euro countries is usually fee-free, but the traps are ATM operator fees, dynamic currency conversion at terminals, and any card that charges per transaction. The currency is the same; the fees are not.

What is the cleanest way to spend day to day?

A card that charges no foreign-transaction fee, gives instant spend notifications, and lets you freeze it instantly if it goes missing. Pair it with a small cash buffer for the places that still refuse cards.

How do I split bills with people I am travelling with?

Use an app that lets you send and request money instantly and for free between users, so the group settles up the same night instead of carrying IOUs across three more cities.

Should I take out cash or pay by card?

Card for almost everything, cash for markets, tips and rural spots. When you do withdraw, take a larger amount once to amortise any ATM fee rather than small amounts repeatedly, and always decline the machine’s currency conversion.