How should I pay when traveling in Europe?

You’re traveling to Europe for the trip of a lifetime. Wherever you’re headed, you’ll have no end of memorable sights to see and cuisines to sample. You may have choices about which payment types to bring too. 

What you’ll learn:

• You’ll likely be able to use multiple forms of payment in Europe. 

• Credit cards are widely accepted in Europe and are an easy, convenient way to pay.

• Some credit card issuers charge foreign transaction fees for purchases abroad. Capital One doesn’t. View important rates and disclosures.

• Debit cards, digital wallets and cash are among the other ways to pay in Europe.

Generally speaking, you should be able to use your credit card in Europe as long as the merchant accepts your card’s payment network. Visa® and Mastercard® are widely accepted.

Credit cards can be an easy and convenient way to pay in Europe. And if they have security features like fraud alerts and $0 liability for unauthorized charges, they can also help you protect your money.

Some credit cards come with benefits that are particularly useful for travelers. Eligible Capital One cardholders get travel protections like lost luggage reimbursement and perks like complimentary access to airport lounges and a statement credit when you pay for TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry.
Plus, if you have a rewards credit card, you can earn rewards on qualifying purchases even when you’re away in Europe.

If you’re planning to use your credit card in Europe, here are some things to keep in mind:

• The technology may be different. European cards are usually issued with chip-and-PIN technology. That’s where cardholders authenticate their transactions with a personal identification number (PIN) at checkout. Your U.S. credit card likely comes with chip-and-signature technology, but you don’t need to worry about the difference. Most payment terminals now accept both types of cards.

• The technology may be the same. If you have a contactless credit card, the tap-to-pay method should work in Europe too. You can tell if you have this feature if there are four curved lines on your card that look like the Wi-Fi symbol turned on its side.

• There may be fees. Before you leave, you can also check your card’s policies on international spending. Depending on the credit card, foreign transaction fees and currency conversion fees may be added when you make transactions abroad. Capital One’s U.S.-issued cards don’t charge these fees. View important rates and disclosures. Other credit card issuers might. 

• Your card issuer might need notice. It’s generally not necessary these days, but you can check whether your card issuer needs a travel notice from you. Capital One doesn’t require it but recommends updating your contact information in case it needs to reach you while you’re away.

You can use your debit card to pay for things in Europe. You can present it anywhere it’s accepted at the point of purchase or use it to withdraw cash from an ATM. Cards linked to Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted.

Debit cards are another way to pay without having to carry cash. Unlike credit cards, debit cards are linked to money you already have in your checking account. 

Bringing your debit card on a European trip can be especially helpful if you keep it in a separate place from your credit card. If the credit card is lost, stolen or declined, you have an immediate backup. 

Keep in mind that if your debit card is lost or stolen, your liability for unauthorized charges may depend on when you report the loss. You can read up on your card’s terms and conditions to learn what this means for you.

Some debit cards come with foreign transaction fees, currency conversion fees and ATM fees when you use them abroad. Capital One doesn’t charge eligible account holders foreign transaction or currency conversion fees for using their debit cards in Europe. View important rates and disclosures. But ATM operators could charge a fee no matter what account you have.

One more note: It’s possible to use a credit card at an ATM to withdraw cash. But that’s considered a cash advance and may come with high fees. You can check your account terms for information on fees and more when you’re traveling abroad.

You could get the benefits of a credit card without actually carrying one by using a mobile or digital wallet. PayPal, Apple Pay® or Google Pay™ are examples of digital wallets that are widely accepted in Europe. Depending on the wallet, you may be able to store and access things like credit cards, debit cards and event tickets from devices like your smartphone, smartwatch, computer or tablet.

Keep in mind that any potential fees associated with the cards in your digital wallet could still apply.

Curious about paying with other methods in Europe? Check out these options.

There may be times when it helps to have some cash on hand. For example, cash may be useful for paying at local markets or tipping after a meal. It can also act as a temporary safety net if your card gets lost or stolen.

If you decide to use cash, it’s generally recommended that you exchange dollars for euros or whichever national currency you need at your bank before you leave. That’s because banks tend to have the best rates and won’t charge you extra fees. If you’re already in Europe, you can visit a bank or ATM and withdraw money using your debit card. You’ll get the best deal at an ATM within your bank’s network.

Traveler’s checks might be another option, but they’re not as common as they used to be. You can buy these checks at certain financial or travel-related companies. To make a purchase, you can use the checks where they’re accepted or cash them when you reach your destination. Just keep in mind that there may be fewer participating merchants than there used to be. Plus, certain fees may apply when purchasing, exchanging or depositing traveler’s checks.

Traveler’s checks are generally printed with a unique serial number, which means you may be able to get a refund if your checks are lost or stolen. You can check the terms and conditions to understand any restrictions or fees that might apply.

Travel money cards are specifically for travel-related spending. Think of them as a prepaid card that you can load with whatever currency you plan to use. You lock in the exchange rate of whichever date you load the currency onto the card. And you can use them to make purchases or withdraw cash from ATMs. Common brands include Travelex and Westpac.

Credit, debit, cash, digital: Your payment choices when traveling to Europe are almost as plentiful as places to visit. It might help to think about the different situations you’ll find yourself in and plan accordingly. And if you want to earn rewards while traveling, consider applying for a travel credit card from Capital One.