How much spending money should I bring? - Europe

Last Updated: Nov. 07, 2009

Tags: money, travel and tour advice, spending money, europe

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1. Thanks for sharing this

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   Explorer1154070 posted 5 days ago Flag as Inappropriate

2. you should definitely bring your whole saving because it is definitely costly. Unsure why things cost so much more.
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   Explorer1153531 posted 10 days ago Flag as Inappropriate

3. I think that the bare minimum should be brought along, especially if you are going into any areas you are not familiar with.

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   Explorer1155209 posted 10 days ago Flag as Inappropriate

4. And keep in mind that with so many hostels having private rooms nowadays, you could get the privacy of your own bedroom (still might have to share a bathroom, but not always) at a nightly rate that’s still cheaper than a dive-y hotel.

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   Explorer1155166 posted 10 days ago Flag as Inappropriate

5. Now, Europe is EXTREMELY expensive for Americans, making one of your “unexpected costs” the exchange rate. When last I looked the Euro was quickly approaching $1.50! And of course this will affect EVERY thing you do!

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   Explorer1154745 posted 14 days ago Flag as Inappropriate

6. Europe can be an expensive place, expecially as a tourist. Better take plenty of money
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   Explorer1154194 posted 19 days ago Flag as Inappropriate

7. there is nothing cheap about going to europe. Europe is such a beautiful place to go but nothing is cheap. I would take about $2000 for just expenses.

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   Explorer1153531 posted 19 days ago Flag as Inappropriate

8. ExodusPessoa23 – I am also doing a Paddywagon tour in April/May 2010, hoping its good, hearing lots of great reviews about it.

   I’m budgeting to spend 100pounds per day whilst in Londontown and 150€ per day in Europe.

   Dara Bee posted on Oct. 07, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate

9. oh – just remembered something from Paris which is still haunting my dreams – :) lol!
   If going through Paris on your tour & you have the chance to go down the Champs Elysees (main high street in Paris) beware of the prices for the Haagen Daas Restaurant (right hand side of the road, if approaching from Arc De Triomphe direction) :) prices START AT 12.50 euro per sundae/waffle/milkshake – NO JOKES :) – so, if you are in the mood for an ice-cream and have a tight budget rather get something from the restaurants take-away in a tub or cone & wander down the high street or sit down outside & watch Paris wander by! :) Unless you are partial to decadent ice-cream sundaes, and you have the cash to splash, ofcourse…

   love2travel posted on Sep. 14, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate

10. I have just returned from a Tour of Europe with Contiki…

    TIP 1: anyone wanting to bring travellers cheques – this is not advised as they are not as widely accepted in Europe as they used to be and will cause a headache. This advise was also given to us by our Tour Manager, so I am not just assuming.

    TIP 2: Buy souvenirs that count and avoid the hawkers, especially in Paris, as it looks like you are getting a deal, but in fact, you aren’t & the things are not quality. Beware of the guys in Paris, they are very bad – they ask you to put your hand out, tie a bunch of strings together & make a pretty, but pricy bracelet which they expect 30 – 50 euro for – so, unless you want to ruin your holiday with a bad experience, avoid them whenever possible!

    TIP 3: Swiss Knives are very reasonable in Switzerland – I bought my brother a WHITE Victorinox, which is only made in Switzerland, with a leather pouch, and it cost a fraction of the price they do in South Africa, but, if you have one, or can get it cheaper elsewhere, rather get something else that you can’t get back home.

    TIP 4: I don’t drink, and neither does my partner, so we didnt have to budget for all of the discos organised by contiki, but if you are a big drinker and party person, budget more.

    TIP 5: If you are running short on cash you can always opt out of an optional that you are not very keen on (or are just doing for the sake of doing it), and the tour managers understand as long as you give them notice. I saw the WHOLE of Paris in one day & went out for a romantic meal with my partner on the River Sienne afterward instead of doing the dinner and show – but, again, this is a personal preference. ALOT of people did this on the tour.

    TIP 6: You need cash – credit cards are accepted, but you do need to draw money from an ATM where ever possible.

    TIP 7: Give yourself a budget & stick to it as best you can – dont get something just for the sake of it, unless you want it – but also, make a decision – you are only in the country once & you may not see it again, so make a quick, informed decision.

    TIP 8: At the end of your tour the manger & driver need to be tipped, although this is not compulsory. Our tour manager advised that the easiest way is to budget 2 euro per person, per day. I.E: 10 day tour x 2 euros = 20 euro x 2 people = 40 euros in tips. But that can get quite expensive depending on how long the trip is. If you are a couple – don’t be too generous & budget the two of you paying – this will work out VERY expensive. Trust me, I have been there recently. We gave each 20 euro instead of 40 and we are happier for it :)

    TIP 9: Don’t draw all your money on the first day – Europe has it’s pick-pockets and thieves aswel! Your tour manager should give you an indication of how much to budget per day, about 100 euro should be okay, but i budgeted 80 as i dont eat much & knew waht i wanted to get from each place. You T.M should tell you when you can & can’t draw money. I drew 200 euro every 2 days. which worked out perfectly. If you have to pay for extra excursions, the T.M will tell you when these need to be paid for & how much it will cost you so you have enough time to budget or change your mind about what you want to do.

    TIP 10: Relax :) you are on holiday! Enjoy the trip! :)

    TIP 11: Make Friends!

    Hope this helps! There are SO many things to say, but I have waffled on for a while now! :) just ask if there is anything in particular still on your mind.

    love2travel posted on Sep. 10, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate

11. After reading this I’m worried that I might go broke (lol).

    ExodusPessoa23 posted on Sep. 02, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate

12. Hi all, Im doing the european discovery departing 18 October from London, its smack bang in the middle of our 7 week trip around europe. We’ve already paid about 6000AUD for all our flights, tours, accommodation etc, and by my count should have bout another 6000AUD saved by the time we head over. Is anyone else doing that tour? Also, Im doing a 6 day paddywagon backpacking tour of ireland a fews days after the contiki, has anyone done a tour with paddywagon before? I can’t wait

    Trudes26 posted on Aug. 24, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate

13. It depends on where you are going! Many of the European countries are so different, the culture, the people, as well as the price level. Some places sell beers (in a bar) for 1-2 AUD, while others take 15-17 AUD (e.g. Norway).

    Viking posted on Jun. 30, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate

14. im going to Europe for 5 week, 15 days of that is contiki(Road to Atehens departing 3rd august), im taking $15,000 Australian, its about 8700 euros (1740 euros a week, about 250 euros a day) ive had mates just come back and they said its so expensive…. if i come back with any of that $15,000, i will be happy.

    Nick1987 posted on Jun. 28, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate

15. Im going on the europeon experience tour next weekend..but ive had a few sets backs making me a bit low on cash…

    But i’ve worked out if i bring $5000 AUD for 24 days, i SHOULD be alright, equalling roughly 2,700 euro.

    Because its 700 euro if i do ALL the activities, around 700 for meals i have to pay for which is 1,400 euro. also ive got a 100 or so in pounds and 130 in euro ans swiss francs in cash to start me off…if i add a few hundred on the budget ie alcohol and entry fees, I think I’ll have enough. What do you think ?:P

    misscass_87 posted on Jun. 18, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate

16. wow really 100 Euros a day?? on my 46 day tour that will be like $8,000 Aussie bucks. that is heaps. I’m really gunna have to save save save.

    brydz05 posted on Jun. 17, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate

17. Whats the average cost of like a lunch or an alcoholic beverage etc? a taxi?

    Casey posted on Jun. 07, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate

18. Anyone going on the Sept 4th 09 London to Rome trip? If so, am going to be in London prob two days before hand to get some sight seeing in (and maybe to do a pub crawl ;)- anyone else going a little early? I ask as maybe it might be less costly to share a hotel for the two additional evenings in the same area where we meet? Cheers! Kat ;)

    Katlady posted on May. 25, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate

19. hey there everyone. Im going on the two week european highlights now on the 15th of june.. it sounds like everyone is taking a lot more than i was planning! I thought id be safe with 12 000 rand… and yes I am planning on doing no clothes shopping this is striclty for food and extra’s ..do you think it will be enough?

    lala posted on May. 24, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate

20. hello everyone, i’m going on a contiki next month as for my money if your from australia as i am i’m getting a cash passport you can get it from either a poost office or go to your travel agent and they can organise it for you….you can use it anywhere and you can put money in as you go i have internet banking so i’ve organised my mum to do that for me as i need it…..also once you get it it locks in the currency at the time so best to get it when you think the euro is at decent price…..you can also get travel cards from most banks

    Explorer1132757 posted on May. 23, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate

21. They said to bring 70-100 euros/day in cash. Where do you keep all that money? I wouldn’t want to leave it in the hotel room. So I’m supposed to carry it with me? Without my gun?

    Supernurse584 posted on May. 20, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate

22. in regards to kristy’s comment, there are up to 50 people on each tour

    Explorer1134270 posted on May. 06, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate

23. hi im about to book a 12 day european tour for jan 10 2010. . . im going by myself so thats scaring the crap out of me to begin with . . . how much should i allow daily???

    Kristen posted on May. 06, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate

24. Hey everyone =) im looking forward to the 45 day tour of Europe in 2010 and i want to go to Eqypt as the optional extra. If any one has done this trip i’m interested to kno the extra cost of the Egytp trip. im also interested to know how many travellers are usually in a contiki group?? any other comments/feedback on that tour would be great =)

    Kristy posted on Apr. 27, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate

25. i’m going on the 14 days European Highlight Tour.
    How much do you reckon I should bring?

    Ryn posted on Apr. 22, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate

26. On a recent tour of europe I nearly spent my bank balance, but it wasn’t too big to start with ! Had a great time though, traveled all over eastern europe and discovered a few amazing locations that I will defiantly be re-visiting!

    uk-web-hosting posted on Apr. 20, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate

27. Im going on the European Explorer (mykonos option). Its a 33 day trip, should I take about $5000.00 aussie dollars, just to be on the safe side…? I better start savin now haha..
    I wanna do all the optionals and I will probs be buying a bit of booze too (a fair bit of actually).

    Has anyone been on a similar length trip through europe, if so money tips would be appreciated ( all other travel tips would be great too!)

    Respond in this forum or macca_87j@hotmail.com.

    CHEERS!!

    Jessie Mac posted on Apr. 15, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate

28. hi guys

    i am planning to go to europe sometime this year but i dont want to go alone… is there anyone here frm Qld that wants to go as well??

    Explorer1131321 posted on Apr. 13, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate

29. Hey Guys – I’m heading on the Great Britain and Souther Ireland tour on June 04…I’m not sure how much money to bring so if anyones heading on the tour or has been on that tour could let me that would be a great help! Thanks!

    Add me on facebook or e-mail me: holly_macxo@hotmail.com
    holly mcilroy

    HollyACMac posted on Apr. 10, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate

30. oh,
    and if youve been on a europe concept tour and have some info about common prices of things and can offer anymore insight into pricing it would be a huge help

    ta

    sairz_89 posted on Mar. 18, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate

31. Just wondering,
    are there plenty of chances to change cash and travellers cheques as you go around,
    im hoping to do a 4 week trip and not sure how to organise my money..
    thanks

    sairz_89 posted on Mar. 18, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate

32. Well this will be my first trip out of australia and im doing the 25 day European escapade tour and am stressing with the exchange rate coverting AUS to EURO because of this global economy crisis, i want to make sure i have enough and wish i bought somthing but didnt have enough money for it, travel agents say credit cards are a bad idea, use the travalex ATM card and they say appropriate ammount of money to take over is around 100 to 200 australian a day. is tis correst please help me becuae im streeing i wont have enough.

    keen-traveller posted on Mar. 14, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate

33. I am going on the European Inspiration (Winter) 19d and I pretty much want to do as much as I can .. see as much as I can see. I will be converting my CAD$ into Euro’s and although most people have said 100Euros should be plenty – is it really?? For 3wks. in Europe – how much money should I realistically bring .. and in what forms? Is cash necessary, or can I strictly use Visa? Thanks !

    Bella posted on Mar. 03, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate

34. What are peoples thoughts on the travelex cards?

    Shanew posted on Feb. 28, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate

35. what sort of things did u pack in ur bag?

    hef posted on Feb. 10, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate

36. My post is just below email address is natalie.screen@gmail.com

    Natalie NZ posted on Jan. 30, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate

37. I went on the European Inspiration 19 day tour in Sep 08. I budgeted about 50 Euro per day which excluded optional extras and I was fine (wouldn’t recommend less though). Paid for coffee, lunch, water and dinner when I needed it. The best advice I can give you is to put aside optional extras right at the beginning so its not part of your normal day to day budget then convert all your cash into Euro and never ever convert it back into your home currency otherwise you’ll never eat or shop cause you’ll be thinking about the real price of everything! So when I bought a coffee in Rome for 4 Euro that was fine, if I had thought everyday I was spending NZ$8 on coffee I would of had major withdraws! Put all your major spending on creditcard (I think i only spent about NZ$1500 on credit card in total). At the end of the day YOUR IN EUROPE!! Go nutts and spend what ever you have saved, you may never make it back again! IF anyone has any questions about spending money, what to pack, what to do or not to do email me and I’ll respond as soon as I can.

    Natalie NZ posted on Jan. 30, 2009 Flag as Inappropriate

38. I would recommend you to budget for about 100 Euro a day, and have some spare cash for extras. I did the European Whirl Tour in September, and I loved it. There are extra cost involved, such as food, alcohol, and tipping the tour guides at the end of the tour. If you can, do as many extras as you can, you’ll love the memories that come with the tour.

    Binky1904 posted on Dec. 24, 2008 Flag as Inappropriate

39. For the london&paris trip is the hotel included in the trip price or do we have to worry about booking the hotel

    carrab24 posted on Dec. 08, 2008 Flag as Inappropriate

40. With the package just say I was in london and the next day we are of to italy do we have to pay for the airfares or is it all part of the package???

    Tina! posted on Nov. 16, 2008 Flag as Inappropriate

41. Ok can someone please help me out here…Im going to do the 21 Europe to Athens tour next Sept and then the 8 day Egypt tour so comes to about 31days there total with the extra jetlag days. I dont plan on doing much shopping except for the wee keyrings etc. How much Euros should i allow if i want to do most of the activities & some other things such as muesums? how much are entry fees? How much is an average meal & alcoholic drink? a bottle of water & a coke? cheers!

    Casey posted on Oct. 30, 2008 Flag as Inappropriate

42. I’m a bit indecisive, i’m doing the Eurpoean Discovery Tour and wondering how much AUD$ i need. I’m considering Travellers Cheques but everyone keeps telling me it would be better to convert some money and use my credit card where possible….any suggestions???

    Sam posted on Oct. 01, 2008 Flag as Inappropriate

43. So in AUD how much should I expect to spend each day? I want to do the big European trip – the 46 day trip! Im so worried I wont have enough before I go! Although I have considered getting a loan out before I go!

    LozhungryforEurope posted on Sep. 29, 2008 Flag as Inappropriate

44. SO what is included on this trip…I thought that all the places that were highlights on the trip were paid for…I am confused. I am also scared that I am not going to bring enough money either…sounds like people are spending tons of money.

    Nikki the Explorer posted on Sep. 07, 2008 Flag as Inappropriate

45. I just got back from the European Discovery Tour. We brought cash with us, then took out about the same amount again in cash while we we re over there, plus used our Visa’s. We had no problem using the bank machines or our Visa’s. Things in Europre are ridiculously expensive, especially food.

    I also thought that a lot of museums, sights, etc were included in our tour….but they are not. You have to pay for pretty much all of that on your own, so account for that as well.

    Tip – skip the optional excursion dinner in Venice – although it’s good, you can likely find something just as good for a lot cheaper else where.

    Explorer1106390 posted on Aug. 21, 2008 Flag as Inappropriate

46. I have been to europe once.. and the most important thing to remember is when you see something that is 4 pounds you think hey what a good deal..WRONG THAT MEANS roughly 8 bucks (not bad if its something you want…but ridiculous for a micky d’s meal). Always keep in mind the echange rate.

    Explorer1107380 posted on Aug. 03, 2008 Flag as Inappropriate

47. What type of payment should I bring? I don’t really want to have all that cash on me. Is there any Canadian travellers who have used PC Financial over there? What do you think about pre-paid visa’s?

    smile2000star posted on Jul. 19, 2008 Flag as Inappropriate

48. This is my first time going on a tour or better yet leaving the country so,I will be totally be outta my element for sure lol.If its your first time,I wouldn’t go crazy because you don’t wanna get caught short on money by the end of your trip n not be able to spoil yourself.I would be alittle conservative the first half of the trip like 45 euros and then the second half,I would start at more of 60 or 70 euros or maybe even 80 euros!!

    Bigwilly84 posted on Jul. 14, 2008 Flag as Inappropriate

49. plan on 100 euros per day and you should be fine. that’s just an average. some days you’ll want to go on an excursion or 2, some nights you might want to go out to clubs or as europeans call it, “discos”...

    try local european beers, they are stronger in flavor and of course alcohol content… but they are good! and often tipping at the bars/clubs/restaurants isn’t required.. just leave the loose change and you’re good! but remember, 1 euro and 2 euros are coins, be mindful how much you’re leaving as tips! 2 or 3 of those 2-euro coins are essentially equivalent to about US$7-US$9 at today’s exchange rates!

    don’t go crazy on shopping! think before you buy! unless you absolutely can’t get it in the states, don’t buy it in europe! small souvenirs unique to a location are okay, but don’t buy a leather jacket just because you’re in italy, or a watch or a knive just because you’re in switzerland…

    hope this helps!
    you can also visit my site for other money help:
    http://www.whateverjourney.com/Money_Matters.asp

    European American posted on May. 28, 2008 Flag as Inappropriate

50. If you are trying to go on a medium-budget (you want to go on all of the excursions, but you’re planning on t-shirts for souveniers, not Swiss watches), I recommend coming up with a figure that you expect to spend and then tripling it (this should leave you with a little to get home on). Currency rates and unexpected costs generally arise when traveling and it is always better to take money home rather than take a loan from a travel buddy while abroad.

    Also, on the included food – I planned to eat a big breakfast and skip lunch in order to save money and it did not work out at all for me. Breakfasts usually include cereal and bread, not eggs, sausage and bacon. Unless you plan to be hungry during the day, you will most likely have to buy some sort of lunch each day.

    jennymac posted on May. 13, 2008 Flag as Inappropriate

51. Plan on taking all the excursions because most of your new friends will want to take them too. The only one I regret paying for was the guided tour in Rome. Maria just wasn’t going to cut the mustard, so to speak. That is, the city is a busy metropolis and you’d be lucky to hear any word she said.

    Unless you really like stale bread, don’t plan on eating the breakfast in Italy because you might chip a tooth. I brought mini- packs of crackers and snacks to tide me over in the mornings.

    I spent 300 euros on a pair of sunglasses and I’ll never regret it!

    Sarah posted on Apr. 24, 2008 Flag as Inappropriate

52. I haven’t been to Europe…yet! plan on going soon,but I would think you would want to bring as much money as you can,and a credit card wouldn’t be a bad idea either. Because not all meals are included,and you need to pay for muesuems,gondola rides,etc…plus souvenirs for yourself,and if you want to buy some for your family and friends :)

    cityrose25 posted on Apr. 21, 2008 Flag as Inappropriate