Running out of money in Europe??

[verotik]

Hi!! Im planning to go backpacking through europe next year, and already saved up some money but I am wondering, has anyone runned out of money while traveling in Europe? What did you do about it?

[WillTravel]

Do you mean run out of money in general, or just not have access to your money?

I would never recommend going into debt to travel, but you should have a credit card or two along in case of an absolute emergency. Never spend down to your last Euro either - make sure you are always prepared.

[herrbert]

So far I only ran out of time ....

I think it all comes down to making a good planning, and add a buffer for unforseen expenses. If you know upfront that you can not do a 8 week trip, then choose to do a 6 week trip, and enjoy this trip, you will find time and resources to make up for the 'lost' two weeks, at another time.

[jessus]

I ran out of money on my most recent trip... I had a nice budget but I also didn't have enough money to cover the budget! I knew that going into the trip though, so I also had an agreement with my dear mother to wire me money - as a loan - if (and when) I ran out of money. And that worked out just fine.

I wish I did this though: spend only the amount in my budget, but spend as MUCH AS POSSIBLE on my credit card. The way I figure it: the cash can be used to pay off the credit card later.... because it's always preferable to not run out of cash (credit cards can't get you a piece of cheese at a market, or a souvenir at a stall!)

[verotik]

Thank you so much for your answers! But I was think more like if I can get a quick job there, like delivering flyers for a day or something like that

[WillTravel]

Nothing legal. And if you did get illegal work, you're vulnerable to mistreatment and exploitation and not getting paid at all. You definitely wouldn't want to get in a situation where this was your only hope.

[herrbert]

Dec 15, 2008 4:27:16 GMT -5 WillTravel said:

Nothing legal. And if you did get illegal work, you're vulnerable to mistreatment and exploitation and not getting paid at all. You definitely wouldn't want to get in a situation where this was your only hope.

Nothing legal IF you go as a tourist, but you could apply for a Working Holiday(maker) Visum. This a visum for people who like to work a little bit, but for most of the time travel during their stay in Europe. Having this WHV you can also stay longer than the 'normal' 3 months in the Schengen-zone (which is now also being joined by Switzerland and Liechtenstein.)