I will be traveling to Paris, Barcelona and then on a Mediterranean cruise (Greece, turkey, Italy, Spain) I was wondering if there were any credit cards or process that I can use in order to not get the international fees that I will get if I use my Visa (2.5%) or debit ($1)? Anyone have any insight into this?

We went on the same cruise two years ago. The best it to take money from the atm! Just take the most your bank allows you to each time! It was an awesome cruise. If anything put your expenses of your cruise on your credit card so u only have to bring euros

The atm are easy to use but make sure to tell your bank ahead of time u will be going to Europe. Just bring as much as u feel comfortable carrying to begin with. We only needed them atm once and we were in Europe for 3.5 weeks including the cruise. We had prepaid most of the hotel accommodations ahead of time.

Yep, I think the cards issued by Chase Bank are the only free credit cards in Canada that avoid the 'foreign exchange fee'. I have the Chase Bank Amazon one as well. I think the other free one is the Sears one.

Lydia I am going on the Norwegian cruise line on there 12 day grand Mediterranean from barcelona on the Norwegian spirit boat... did you do this cruise? if yes any advice?

I think it is a very similar cruise iteniary, however I went with princess. I went on cruisecritic.com and did private tours while in port

Keep your wallet away from pick pockets and do your research on what to see and do while you are there to get the best experience and value for your money

Chase offers 2 in canada. As well many banks offer no fees If u keep a minimum balance in account. For ex. TD offers no fees with a $5000 min balance

Thanks sooooo much for this info just planning a trip in Nov and had this question on my list.!!!!

Lydia did you have any favorite sites or activities that you would tell someone not to miss?

There were so many memories in each port to tell you the truth. Try the local food and if you head to Rome make sure you throw some money in the fountain of Trevi so it brings you back. Barcelona was huge for Latin dance shows and Paris I loved walking the streets to shop and eat. Our cruise speed at Mykonos and Athens. We saw the town and ruins and Olympic stadium. Take tons of pics so u can remember everything when u come back! We stopped in Istanbul and saw the blue mosque and grand bazaar. Crazy beauty and atmosphere. We also saw espheus and saw the old town. In Italy we saw Venice, Florence and Rome. Do all the touristy sites! My husband loved all the sports cars in Monte Carlo. Bring money to shop if u like all the purses and shoes like me

Stopped not speed

The pick-pockets are horrible! Only carry enough money on you that you are comfortable losing in a day. lol Also, the scams are abundant. People in costume will come to you and offer to let you take your picture with them, then they extort your money! Just be really careful and ever vigilant! Don't carry your wallet in a back pocket and don't carry a bag that a hand can be slipped easily into. Not trying to put a damper on your time, it's just the way it is unfortunately.

Trevi fountain is under construction and not working.

And the people will try and give you free things. They would try and do It to my kids constantly. One told my 8 yr old that he was giving a free bracelet, tied it in a knot on her wrist then turned to dAd for $. And we could not take the bracelet off cause he knotted it tight.
As well we invested in the secure back packs at a luggage store that cannot be cut, and cards/passports cannot be read digitally.

Laura, cards issued from Chase don't charge international foreign exchange fees (eg. Sears MasterCard). We just did the Iceland, Paris, England trip and no extra charges.

This is perfect timing. My daughter travels to France next month and was thinking about getting her a prepaid credit card. Does France take both VISA & Mastercard equally?

I believe so Tracy Bryks Reaume. We used our M/C most of the time, but had our visa handy just in case. Didn't seem to be an issue when either was used

Thanks. So this Chase card is not a pre-loaded card. That's what I was looking for for my 15 year old daughter!

No is a regular sears mastercard.

Robyn secure back pack? where did you get it and how much was it? Cause I was thinking a back pack is way better then a purse but I was worried as the zippers are on your back and it is easy for people to go through your stuff

It's called PAC safe. We bought it at luggage unlimited beside sunterra market on 111 st and about 55 ave. it's pricier but for the peace of mind, well worth it!!

Prices from 89-269

Try and dress and look like the locals as much as possible so you are not a target.

you can get a pre paid credit card at ama CAA (alberta) I have only had the us dollar one but may be they have a euro one too I know with the us dollar one someone back home can reload it for you if you run short