European Travel Skills: Money & Safety

In this talk, European travel expert Rick Steves explains how to avoid fees while getting cash from European ATMs, demystifies Europe's "chip-and-PIN" technology, offers tips on outsmarting pickpockets and con artists, and discusses the fear of terrorism. Visit www.ricksteves.com for more European travel information.

[@tonysamos2113]

What Rick fails to mention is that not all ATM machines are created equal. There are many ATM machines like EuroNet that will charge you an exorbitant amount in exchange rates and fees. Don’t naively think you can go to any ATM and you’ll be getting the best rate of exchange possible with no fees.

[@tryan7]

I agree 💯. While in Mexico recently I paid exorbitant fees for cash from bank atms. Some as high as 10 percent plus fees. Could anyone advise my of a better method? Thank you in advance.

[@thomassullivan6142]

U😢uu😅😮y😮😢😢y

[@susanwhite7474]

Nobody who has actually lived thinks that you don't have to be careful about ATM fees. This is surely true in every country

[@charlieclark2609]

It'd also be a good practice that when you are standing in public or on a train, do not stand with your back to people , sit or stand in a corner where you can see if someone is a potential threat.

[@delta60512]

Always also be aware of anyone holding their coat over their arm or have a map in their hand. Was able to pick out one on the Barcelona Metro that was targeting me. He looked very well dressed in a blue pull over sweater. It was in the metro leaving the Sacred Family Basilica.

[@watcher9997]

Charles Schwab checking will reimburse all ATM fees anywhere in the world.

[@alanmaidman3612]

Travelling from Australia to Europe, before starting holiday be sure to inform your bank you will be out of the country and will be making withdrawals in foreign countries, otherwise they may refuse transactions. I had this problem twice in the past when visiting Europe and also USA.

[@PsalmS-vi8zl]

I knew a gal who traveled all over the world, by herself, and she always kept a few bucks in her pocket - she called this "mugger money", and everything else she carried in her money belt.

[@mjordan812]

Chip-PIN and US cards. You usually can get a PIN assigned by your bank. I have a 90+% success rate with automated gas pumps - and I travel by motorcycle, so I'm buying gas often.

[@brendajos]

This came up on auto play so I am seeing it long after posted but I am loving this. Pick pocket hand in your pocket reminds me of Times Square on NYE several years ago (SEVERAL!) I could feel a hand go in to my pocket and I just chuckled to myself because there was NOTHING in there. It was cold so I was wearing multiple pairs of pants and my money was on the pair underneath. Yes it was more difficult for me to get to but nobody was stealing my goods! :-)

[@thereseember2800]

As added protection, you can wear a flexible abdominal elastic brace over the money belt.

[@Tuffydipstick]

Not all countries in Europe use the euro UK uses ££££ Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Switzerland don't have euros they use different currencies

[@hyunjinki1995]

Sylvia Black but some shop in big cities can accept euro with a poor conversion rate

[@ulutiu]

That is true. And it is also true that at least 25 European countries use euro.

[@crazyworldoccupant7386]

A skimmer on the ATM by the Vatican. Tsk tsk. Didn’t happen to me, happened to a relative and friend. I yank on the area near the pin pad for a skimmer, here and abroad.

[@mezziemoo8560]

I am excited. I've spent a bit of money on extra security features, travel pacsafe backpack and wallet. I am also buying a cross over bag with security features (same as pacsafe, just a different brand). I've also purchased the money belt with RFID protection to carry my passport and extra money. The wallet or bag will only contain a days amount of money like your suggestion, however, how much is a "days amount of money in europe?"

[@TeaandFiona]

I've had a friend who had her whole suitcase stolen from her hotel room. It was a nice hotel too

[@JenShea]

In 2 weeks I am heading to Europe, for 3 months. I want to share this video with those (few) family members who are worried about safety and the 'T word'.

[@jesusgonzalez6715]

Jen Shea taxes?

[@FrisianDroneAviator]

Safety? Europe is much safer then the usa.

[@Pfsif]

The small towns in Tuscany will NOT exchange US with EU currency, including the ATM machines.

[@mike-uq6xm]

lots of good advice thank you steve

[@ClareDurst]

I agree with Rick on everything. He doesn't mention but others have that you need to notify the holders of your credit/debit cards that you will be abroad. BE SURE to also include your layover cities. i had breakfast in a layover in Heathrow and couldn't use my credit card, because I hadn't told them I was going there, just my destinations!

[@Magic_beans_]

I’ve had that happen domestically too. I traveled from Alaska to Maryland with a stop in Colorado, so within 16 hours I’d used my card in three states. When I tried for a fourth (dinner in Virginia) they rejected the transaction.

[@savedfaves]

Was in a small town in the west of Portugal and they limited the amount you could take out of the ATM per day to €50. Marginally frustrating to say the least.

[@melaniexoxo]

I remember a girl that ran up to me in berlin frantically saying something to me in german i just glared at her & kept walking ... she just disappeared as fast as she showed up. no pockets were picked

[@testdriver3146]

Lambchop...you will never get to know if you like kissing a German girl. Next time, pull out your translator.

[@mats7492]

or ask if she speaks english.. most do, at least basic skills

[@Offensive_Username]

Oh wow. "Someone walked up to me and I have to tell the whole internet".

[@galc9293]

money belt is the best choice for safety, but u could use your regular wallet, its just fine! But u have to do one of two things, put the wallet in the front pocket of your pants or put the wallet in the back pocket, but sideways! its incredible how its difficult to a thief to grab your wallet like that! In some nat geo channel or something like this one guy explain this things on a trip to Naples... he is a scamm buster!

[@testdriver3146]

A couple of rubber bands around a wallet makes for great security. Almost impossible to pull out without being noticed.

[@francissaffell6853]

I just put the day money and tickets in my wallet, all else goes in Money Belt. To protect front pants pocket wallet, I take a small plastic fork, and put it in my wallet pocket, tines up and pointing into the hip, over the wallet, between wallet and outside layer of the pocket. It is now near impossible for a pickpocket to get your wallet.

[@WanderingG-Ma]

Last time I was in Rome I had a friend who kept his wallet in front. Pocket and he got his taken.

[@juanmonge8]

Duluth trading cargo pants are great. I use the Velcro pockets to carry my phone and essentials.

[@nickjene6571]

I wonder if anyone has tried putting a mouse trap in their back pocket as a surprise to a thief?

[@Eternalhorses]

good idea... I'm going to do it. 😁

[@iblindsamurai2677]

Steve Walker if you can't find one, your only option is to make one😂

[@chumccurry1765]

All Lovely ideas 😂

[@solidstate9451]

A mouse trap would be assault.

[@pamtaylor1838]

@@solidstate9451 casually hold a mousetrap in your pocket, they would be harassing you first if they try to steal your mousetrap 🤦🏾‍♀️

[@wm4126]

I also carry a toss wallet

[@hyunjinki1995]

19 of 28 member states use Euro (France, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, Portugal, Finland, Austria, Italy, Ireland, Greece, Slovenia, Malta, Cyprus, Slovakia, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania) officially. Plus 4 micro state have agreement to use it (Andorra, Monaco, Vatican, San Marino) then there's 2 countries using euro as thier de facto monetary unit (that's Kosovo and Montengero). Czechia, Poland, Croatia, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary are the future member of eurozone. Sweden is in consideration Denmark and UK are opt out

[@betojoann]

Hello Rick, Do you have any updates on currency exchange places which are wise to go to and credit card info. Thank you! Love your videos!!!

[@jd3422]

Good information for the time that this was presented, in 2016. Now most US cards have chips, which make it very easy.

[@danensis]

Meanwhile Europe has gone contactless...

[@Magic_beans_]

They have chips, but strictly speaking they’re not chip-and-PIN cards. For large credit purchases you’ll still be asked to sign.

[@QueenOfHeartsx]

perhaps leaving your valuables, passport etc. in your hotel room is fine but as far as hostels ? i'm not so sure

[@danensis]

In hostels I use the wire loop of my PacSafe round the radiator pipe, that way you only get robbed by plumbers.

[@texicalisally4480]

This video is now 3 years old, think it's time to update this?

[@northofyou33]

I got pickpocketed by a gypsy woman at Termini the ONE day I did not put my ATM cards or cash in my money belt.

[@maximhollandnederlandthene7640]

Wallet to put in front pockets. Longer travels put your money reserves in a small flat bag with cord at your neck.(also safe for passport) Not only Europe, worldwide.

[@hitenmehta6506]

I've watched at least a 100 of your travel videos. Very helpful and lot of information. Hope I run into you in Europe sometime when I begin to travel there more consistently. Cheers!

[@kellydooling]

I went to England in May with a chip-and-pin card. It worked everywhere, with no problems at all at ATMs, which was great. However, I still had to sign my receipts in restaurants, etc. at which locals did not. Very odd and a bit frustrating. I'm not sure if our chip-and-pin cards are exactly the same as those in Europe.

[@RickStevesTravelTalks]

Most US cards are still technically chip-and-sign, not yet chip-and-pin, and the card readers recognize that when you make a purchase. ATMs work differently, having always required a PIN. -- Laura

[@frankparent463]

My wallet is literally chained to my jeans... a literal chain. If they try to steal it, I'll know.

[@JohnPoole726]

How common is Apple Pay in Europe in 2021?

[@daniellereid7576]

me being a female I would have a wallet with the same line as Rick put in the fake wallet for theives or have a purse with the same thing thanks for the tips

[@villegas24]

great speech. Scammers are definitely the worse thing you will find in Europe. Everything else is wonderful.

[@jbhann]

villegas24 ...Maybe. I just got home from Italy, and luckily never had an incident with scammers, but the thing that shocked me, was the trash and garbage everywhere. It was actually heartbreaking to see such beautiful areas be disrespected by the trash and garbage.

[@armin38822]

@@jbhann Thats what I thought when I travled from Slovenia to California. Couldn't belive how dirty Oakland and San Francisco were and just how many homeless people I saw in Bay Area,Vegas and LA.

[@jbhann]

armin38822 ...yes, I agree with you that SF, Oakland and LA are extremely dirty, and have a massive homelessness problem. As does Seattle, WA and Portland, OR. It’s beyond insane how bad it has gotten over the years, and it keeps getting worse. I lived in SF from 2004-2009 and in Seattle from 2011-2015, and witnessed the areas going downhill. A documentary was recently released titled *_Seattle is Dying_* and it shows how citizens of Seattle are upset with the homelessness and drug problems that’s destroying their neighborhoods and the city itself, but the politicians out there don’t care, as they care more about protecting and providing for the homeless and allowing them to do whatever they want, without any consequences for their actions, then caring about the law-abiding citizens needs and concerns. When I was over in Europe, I drove from Italy into Slovenia and was pleasantly surprised with how clean it was, especially compared to Italy. Unfortunately I didn’t spend enough time in the country as I would had wanted to.

[@gerdpapenburg7050]

The €uro is meanwhile used in 25 countries with a population of more than 343 Million people.

[@jd3422]

You talked a lot about hotel rooms. Why do you stay in hotels? Have you tried private apartments like Airbnb or VRBO? I find them much superior to hotels.

[@henryc1000]

6:23 A lot of beautiful people... down on their luck, blah blah blah. Sounds like your in Chicago, where I live:))

[@letthelearnersdoit1075]

money belts r fine so long as they r slashproof. a pacsafe is.

[@aramayicart27]

Thank you.

[@johnnymartinjohansen]

I've been to most European countries. I've seen a few scam games going on, but I've never seen or experienced theft of any kind. Same with all of my travelling friends. I think the problem is greatly exaggerated, but it's still smart to follow these tips just in case.

[@kerder8660]

Very well said.. God bless

[@Felixxxxxxxxx]

There is no country in Europe that has a higher criminality rate the US. He do have some fair points about pickpocketers, especially in the major cities in the south of Europe.

[@caciliawhy5195]

He do?

[@mezziemoo8560]

Maybe so, but when you are overseas you carry more cash but more importantly your passport.

[@PiranhaJaw22]

yes he do...

[@jamillx]

@@mezziemoo8560 you dont really need to carry your passport around all the time. leave it in the hotel and take a copy with you. in case the original is required (and thats - unless you try to rent a car or something - almost never), get it from the hotel.

[@pappuchak8605]

I will be travelling to prague soon. Do I need to have Czech crown or Euro will do?!

[@said-fo5vw]

Saat anda jalan jalan ke luar negeri adalah membawa mata uang logam yang unik unik dari berbagai negara saya suka mengumpulkan koin dari berbagai negara...

[@l.a.rivasesq.8841]

Thank you for providing this information. I appreciate it!

[@Ursaminor31]

Great positive message

[@velliee1741]

Great video

[@AnhTuPhucDerrickHoangCanada]

Excellent.

[@ictfc1897]

when I travel I leave all my important things in the hotel safety - most of them provide it in your room - and carry only the essential with me. Nothing in the back pockets, if a wallet always in the front pocket. A zip bag inside my shirt and in front. Carry a copy of my document. original in the safety. Seen too many tourists going to the embassy cos their passport had been stolen or lost. And never stop to listen to the stories of the beggars or street sellers. Just keep walking and avoid them.

[@davidfaas58777]

Thank You Rick Steves #Fan

[@joshsmit779]

Where do you put your phone? Surely not in your moneybelt.

[@koabradley]

great video brother! I head out to Paris soon!

[@airportshotels3060]

Really good experience-based advice!

[@spokilt]

Love&Blessings

[@oliverlin1969]

It is great!

[@DanielSan-sw9px]

are there any prepaid cash cards that i could use?

[@yvettesienkiewicz5552]

Great advice!

[@neutronpixie6106]

2:37- I listened to that a few dozen times. Had to turn subtitles on. "Oooooh.....that's what he said". Yeah. It seemed a little out of character.

[@strangebrew1231]

If you get targeted it’s best to give them the $20 in your pocket. If you have nothing they may get violent

[@randommandoade1465]

A fanny pack is a sign your a tourists and makes you a target my wallet ha a chain on it plus it locks so ill feel a tug if my wallet is being taken my passport and id is on my person and its not possible to get it without being stripped

[@Misanti888]

Love your content, sir! 🥰

[@user-cw2py6wh8l]

Is that a SingStar mic?

[@timdowney6721]

Nothing unique about Europe when it comes to long waits and lousy service if you want to deal with a person. Try getting a live person when calling any US company.

[@Me_Caveman]

1000 people killed on the streets?!? Well, I walk on the sidewalk.

[@hittingtax2670]

Rick sounds a little bit Scandinavian😳

[@Offensive_Username]

A bit Scandinavian, but totally like a douchebag.

[@withelisa]

It's a regional accent. A lot of us in the Pacific Northwest do 😁

[@billmelater6470]

Minnesota and Wisconsin (and in that area in general) were heavily settled by Scandinavians so it has created a regional accent.

[@Samo762]

About ATMs - I don't really agree - if you know what you're doing, you can get a better rate at an exchange place that the ATM would give you... also there's a lot of scamming ATMs out there offering to charge you in your home currency and then obviously overcharging you

[@InAUGral]

I recently bought a crossbody bag with the intention of keeping it all in that. Kind of tempted to get one for under my clothes too which I can keep my passport and some spare cash in. This is just in case they somehow steal the bag despite the strap being slashproof. Anyone feel this is paranoid or unnecessary?

[@Jenn360]

check out travelon or packsafe bags

[@kellydooling]

PackSafe bags are amazing. I always carry one when I travel. They are a bit heavier than other crossbody bags, but I love them for the peace of mind. I also bought a Travelon bag, but it did not last long at all.

[@mezziemoo8560]

How was your trip? I am going in August. I plan on wearing a money belt under my clothes for passport and large sums of money when travelling like Rick suggests. When I get to my hotel, I will lock in hotel safe or in locked suitcase in my room. I bought a pacsafe wallet with a chain that I am planning to connect to my day bag or to my clothes. I have a pacafe backpack.. but I am buying a cross body bag (similar to pacsafe but different brand has the same security features as Pacsafe).

[@jennyslavis375]

I am flying soon , and I been reading about TSA stealing at the airports . How could I stay safe going through.

[@miaballester3978]

And police that will ask for your passport and not give it back until you give them cash.

[@dashriprock1253]

If I were a pickpocket, Rick Steves is the exact kind of person I'd target.

[@Kysplzzz]

Dash Riprock 😂😂😂

[@evansquilt]

Anyone who falls for three-card monte is beyond naive.

[@Imbatmn57]

During ancient Roman times people would put euros in a metal bracelet and make it into necklace.

[@milesodonnol4456]

I didn't realize that they had Euros in ancient Rome. You learn something new every day.

[@daveygivens735]

I didn't realize you could wear bracelets around your neck. =/

[@byemyself3166]

@@milesodonnol4456 Yes, as far as I know, Euro was introduced in 2002 - a couple of days after ancient Rome....

[@judithgriffin6928]

I think he could put some monopoly money with his wallet note.

[@grahamstephan6344]

French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday announced that a 'limited lockdown' will be imposed across the nation to curb the spread of coronavirus disease (Covid-19.Y’all should develop an online income means and focus more on bitcoin. I have been into bitcoin for a while now.

[@danensis]

Would you like to buy a tulip bulb?

[@grahamstephan6344]

danensis just giving some advice

[@miklos220]

I got pickpocketed in Seattle, Washington USA.

[@Quarton]

@Lam ise We've imported the best from all over the world! ;-)

[@discostu4275]

@Lam ise I can’t tell if you are referring to the Spanish and Portuguese men from the 16th century who conquered the New World. Or maybe the EUROPEANS who settled North America. But no need to point fingers- chances are now if we’re playing the blame game here- if we trace back your ancestry the record will show you’re just as guilty as us. Every society has most likely committed a genocide *cough *cough Armenian genocide (not excuse). So I’m sure that YOUR PEOPLE are just as guilty too!

[@Honeypepper.]

pick pockets? solution, literally keep your money's on your person e.g bra, draws, secret compartments within clothing etc. why is it so hard!

[@marylandgirl7358]

My Dad puts a wide rubber band around his wallet, then puts in in his back pocket sideways mmaking it hard for someone to pull it out of his back pocket. Not sure if this would work in Europe or not.

[@cberry6751]

Thieves can cut the strap on your money belt if your belt is obvious & showing.

[@hat880]

Shopping downtown in my country has taught me to evade pickpockets 🤣

[@acajudi100]

Use Charles Schwab for no ATM fees.

[@lenny38138]

What are the gun laws in Europe?

[@rustamsanchawala3231]

^e at straws in 2nd place to be a good time

[@armin38822]

Honestly EU is incredibly safe outside of those big cities like Pariz,London,Milan etc.

[@hermionegardener3796]

The airport??? A Casino???? Could you pick any worse places to use an ATM??? The conversions and bank fees will be way higher in those places. Bad advice. How old is this video?

[@happyer881]

da ka

[@CharlesvanDijk-ir6bl]

At least in the US, they leave you alone. No scams and the people were helpful.

[@RocRizzo]

Not so. There are people scamming tourists everywhere in big cities in the US.

[@frankonolfi7328]

Many more scams in Europe

[@sanderjansen5187]

I live in Europe for 45 years, never ever been pickpocket just once in New York.

[@northofyou33]

Huh? I have been pick-pocketed in the USA three times. Once in Italy. Also, in the USA, my ATM card has been copied three different times.

[@acbc3543]

I stash my money in my sock

[@Martin-on2pp]

I am Dutch, a European! And what a laugh this video.

[@juanenriquez9245]

Omg you look like my old apush teacher

[@ddmckoy113]

Couldn’t watch the video because of the way u was holding the mic very annoying

[@Alan_Mac]

When you say at 0:36 that "nearly everyone has the same coins jangling in their pockets" you are misleading people. The euro is used in 19/50 countries and by a minority of people. Even within the EU there are 3 countries that don't (currently) use the euro.

[@solidstate9451]

German police is blue now. And you should carry cash in Germany. We don't like paying electronically.

[@sailingstonerose]

Your claims about Europe being safe versus the United States are not supported by the facts. If you go to the World Bank site and check, Europe & Central Asia (excluding high income) has a homicide rate of 6, if you include high income areas the rate is the rate is 3. You are not "10 times safer" in Europe! The homicide rate in the US is 5. The source for the data is the UN Office on Drugs and Crime's International Homicide Statistics database. I am disappointed you didn't do even the lightest research before making this video. With that said, I travel to countries with much higher homicide rates on a regular basis and always feel safe by using good travel skills, much of which have been inspired by your videos. People need to do their own research and make informed decisions about their travel decisions. Someone trying to sell tours should not be the source.

[@kamilpan3806]

Sorry but you have no idea how to properly use packing cubes 😂😂

[@Wog68]

Best idea is to dress in rags. Overgrown beard and hair. Freeloaders would bother you less.

[@2003Aidas]

Watched until 2:18 ...it was enough of that sh*t. Europeans are wery well paid? Europeans ? Who exactly? Germans or Ukranians ? Norwegians or belarussians? Average salary in ukraine -200$

[@wildflowerdeepjoy8589]

cute for an old man but..... foul mouth sorry