Surviving in Europe

[georgemmj]

Okay~

I have heard so many different opinions on how much money you need to survive while backpacking in Europe. I have heard between 40 and 60, 70 a day, less that 100 a day. I will be in Europe for 16 days total. How much does anyone suggest I have...keep in mind I will always have my credit cards! ;D

But I want to know how much CASH I need to have available in my checking account. And can I just plan on using ATM's to get cash? Or using my VISA check card. How much does it typically charge you to use the ATM machines over there.?

Thanks Anyone for ALL Needy Advice

Georgie

[me]

Georgie,

when i've used ATM in Europe (it's been 3 years, though) the ATM didn't charge a fee, my US bank did! This didn't make me happy, so i changed banks.

Ask if your bank charges a fee for ATM use in Europe, in a foreign currency. if they do, find a new bank! Web banks often charge no fee.

I got by on about US$40 - 50/day in Spain, about $80-$100/day in London. (Least and most expensive places, respectively) i did't overnight in Tangier, i had an all inclusive day tour from Spain. it might have been cheaper, i dont know.

*DON'T* get cash from an ATM on a credit card! The finance charges on that are horrible!

[WillTravel]

I was able to get on for about $50-55 USD per day in London, including one cheap theatre show (7-10 pounds) most days. I chose a cheap hostel, purchased food in supermarkets, got a day-pass for transit, and just generally didn't spend much. I could definitely see a really dedicated person spending less.

[me]

i didn't try especially hard to be frugal. so, my sums wouldn't be such good guides for everyone. i was just sayin what i spent.

- d

[triple5funk]

i did research on how much BofA will charge me for using my debit card at international ATMs and learned that BofA is part of the Global ATM Alliance in which customers can use their ATM cards at Barclay's (UK), BNP-Paribas (France), Deutsche Bank (Germany), Scotiabank (Canada), and Westpac (Australia) without incurring any fees.

[Kim]

How much you will spend per day really depends on you and your travel habits. Some people like to try interesting restaurants, while others are content to use the hostel kitchen to cook dinner.

You can't go wrong by budgeting more though!

What we did is come up with a general budget (do some research about where you want to stay in places and see how much they charge etc.) then tried to stay under it-that way when we wanted to do something that was more pricey it was no biggie.

Basically, though to do it for less than $50 US a day would be hard, even in the cheapest countries. You will remember your trip for the rest of your life-you don't want to be thinking about all the things you had to miss while you were over there!

You can put things like accommodation on your visa in most places but you'll need cash for food, expenses etc.

Kim

[nitsansh]

For what it's worth... here are my spendings...

Hungary - 3 days (2 nights): 25,168 Forints (~105EUR)
Croatia - 10 days (only 3 nights paid accomodation, the rest staying at family): 2419.25 Kunas (~323EUR)
Slovenia - 5 days (5 nights): 61,305 Tolars (~267EUR)

Conversion rates used: 1EUR=7.5HRK=230SIT=240HUF. The actual conversion rates, after commisions, were usually lower, and most of money was converted to US$ and then to Israeli Shekels anyway...
All expenses included. It should be noted that in Slovenia I had relatively more transportation and sight seeing, hence the higher expenses.
Accomodation expenses (inc breakfast) varied from 2700 HUF (11EUR) in Budapest to 4115 SIT (18EUR) in Bled.
I had one restaurant meal on most days, which cost 5-10 EUR (the most expensive 85 Kuna).
No entertainment and partying expenses... and not much sight seeing...

If anyone wants details, I can supply them...