Bonjour, j'aimerais savoir ce qui est préférable d'apporter pour un voyage en Europe ( principalement Allemagne, Suisse et l'Italie), de l'argent comptant, carte de crédit (Visa), chèque de voyage. On part pour 1 mois alors nous avons besoin beaucoup d'argent... et trainer beaucoup de "liquide" sur nous, m'effraye un peu des pick-pockets et autres.
Pour payer hotels, restaurants, souvenirs, passe de train, taxis, location de voitures, etc!
L'idéal est la carte de crédit. Elle sera acceptée pratiquement partout.
Prévoir quand même un minium de "liquide", mais vous pourrez facilement vous en procurer une fois sur place.
Personellement, j'aime bien changer qques dollars canadien en Euros avant de partir de façon à ne pas avoir à "courir" les bureaux de change une fois arrivé.
On va toujours trop loin pour ceux qui ne vont nulle part (Pierre Flardeau)
J'imagine que ma carte "débit" que j'utilise dans les guichets bancaires ne fonctionne pas en Europe? Mais que je peux retirer avec ma carte de crédit tel que vous m'indiquez.
Tu pourras retirer avec ta carte de crédit, aucun problème. (il y aura des frais bien entendue)
Pour la carte de débit, impossible de faire des achats. Mais pour faire un retrait au gichet, je crois que ça peut être possible. Vérifier avec ta banque/caisse, ils te le confirmeront. C'est une bonne idée aussi "d'avertir" ton institution financière que ta carte de crédit sera utilisée à l'étranger. Étant donné qu'il n'est pas "normal" qu'un achat soit fait avec ton numéro de carte de crédit en Europe, lors de ta 1iere transaction, la carte risque d'être bloquée par mesure de sécurité. Il te suffit alors d'un appel pour arranger tout ça, rien de vraiment compliqué...mais quand même
C'est arrivée à une amie il y a deux ans à Londres.
On va toujours trop loin pour ceux qui ne vont nulle part (Pierre Flardeau)
Oui merci de me le rappeler!! sans toi, jaurais tellement oublier ca!! Premier vrai, grand voyage! Je crois pas que la caisse Desjardins permet des retraits mais je vais verifier aupres d'eux quand meme!
bonjour
dans ces pays, une carte de crédit suffit .à chaque voyage, je fais augmenter par ma banque, provisoirement, mes possibilités de paiement et de retrait pour être tranquille.
La carte de crédit (Visa, Eurocard, Amexco, Diners..). est bien acceptée en Suisse, même si la carte Maestro (carte de débit) est la plus utilisée. Le cash reste une valeur sûre 😏 mais inutile de changer des CAD en CHF, le cours sera meilleur en utilisant ta carte, et il y a toujours la possibilité d'effectuer des retraits pour du cash dans les bancomats.
Retirer de l'argent au distributeur : à éviter, car les frais sont importants. Ou alors prendre une grosse somme. Eviter les distributeurs hors des heures d'ouverture, et hors banques, car une carte qui reste bloquée, quand on voyage, c'est une vraie galère.
Pour information, il existe certains commerces en Allemagne qui sont réfractaires à la carte de crédit (sauf les cartes allemandes très spécifiques). Cela est dû au fait que les Allemands sont très habitués au liquide.
La plupart prennent la carte, mais en cas de gros achat, mieux vaut vérifier avant.
En Italie j'ai constaté que bcp d'hoteliers/restaurateurs etc refusent la carte de crédit ou bien "la machine à carte est en panne". Je vous laisse méditer les motivations sans doute fiscales de ces personnes, mais bref il faut souvent payer cash et donc retirer beaucoup d'argent au distributeur. Attention donc au plafond limitant les retraits qui est vite atteint.
Pour nous, au Québec, un carte de débit est une carte avec laquelle on peut faire des achats. La différence avec la carte de crédit, c'est que le montant de l'achat est immédiatement déduit tu compte bancaire. Si tu as 300$ dans ton compte de banque il te sera alors impossible de faire un achat de plus de 300$ avec une carte de débit. La carte de débit est délivrée par les banques locales
Idem pour le retrait. Lorsque l'on fait un retrait avec une carte débit, le montant retiré est automatiquement soustrait du compte bancaire. Plus d'argent dans le compte? Impossible de faire un retrait
Il est également impossible de faire des achats sur internet avec une carte de débit.
Donc au Québec, une carte de crédit et une carte de débit sont deux choses bien différentes. La pluspart des québécois font leurs achats de tous les jours avec leur carte de débit.
On va toujours trop loin pour ceux qui ne vont nulle part (Pierre Flardeau)
La carte de débit Desjardins fonctionne à l'étranger mais dans les guichets seulement. Personnellement je tire toujours l'argent à partir de ma carte de crédit car je trouve que le taux de change est meilleur à condition de rembourser immédiatement le montant mais si vous n'avez pas la possibilité de le faire vaut peut-être mieux retirer avec votre carte de débit.
Quelque fois nos cartes magnétiques sont refusées mais pas très souvent et c'est plutôt de la mauvaise volonté qu'un problème technique donc je préfère ne pas acheter dans ce type de commerce mais c'est plutôt rare.
Montréalaise en escale à Paris je partage mes voyages sur mon blog: www.boeingbleudemer.com
Arrivant de l'Italie, j'avais avec moi une bonne carte de crédit, des Euro et ma carte de débit. Va pour la carte de crédit mais à ma grande surprise, il ne la prenait pas partout et on nous exigeait du comptant. Lorsque j'ai manqué de liquidités, j'ai voulu me servir de ma carte de débit et là quel surprise. Dans deux guichets de banques différentes la carte disait qu'elle était muette. Donc je conseille de communiquer avec votre institution bancaire. Autre idée est le nip sur votre carte de crédit. Si vous avez la chance, lol, d'aller dans un bureau de change vous verrez que les frais sont énormes.
Je suis Canadienne et suis presentement a Oslo. J ai une carte bancaire supposee fonctionner dans tout guichet automatique a travers le monde qui porte le…
Nous avons prévu de passer une semaine à Lisbonne et aux alentours fin août. J'ai réservé un appartement sur homeaway (homelidays en France). Tout se passe…
Nous sommes allés plusieurs fois dans divers pays européens et obtenir des euros dans les guichets automatiques a été souvent sans histoire; et d'autres fois,…
Mon copain et moi allons faire la célèbre randonné du Laugavegurinn (20 au 23 août) et ayant notre tente, nous allons devoir payer le camping situé à proximité…
Je pars 3 semaines au mois de mai en Ecosse. Qq jours sur l'Ile de Skye (Glenbrittle, Portree), Harris & Lewis (Tarbert, Stornoway) en passant par Torridon et…
Bonjour,
Ma fille part en Islande pour un trek de 4 à 5 jours. Notre réseau belge n'est pas couvert en Islande. Quelle est la meilleur alternative pour être joignable au maximum même en randonnée ?
Merci
Hi there, my husband and I are planning a trip to Iceland in mid-October 2026.
Would you have any advice on the best places to visit for a first trip to this destination? Thanks
Hi there, a friend will be visiting Great Britain in August and would like to explore some representative spots in Denmark before heading back to Canada.
What affordable activities could you recommend to him?
He’d really appreciate it, as he has a deep appreciation for Nordic countries—probably because of his own Nordic roots.
Thanks
Hi, I'm heading to Italy soon and I wanted to know if Italian banks charge fees when you withdraw cash at an ATM, or if, like in Spain or Greece, it's better to avoid taking out money and bring cash instead. Looking forward to your replies... Thanks
We’re planning a short trip at the end of July to explore the legendary mountains and valleys of the Bernese Oberland: round trip from Nancy (Swiss highway vignette planned), 2 nights in a room with a small kitchen in Adelboden, then 2 nights in a hotel at the Gletscherblick in Grindelwald, both with half-board included.
Could you share some tips on the best road routes to take, as well as some walking hikes (we’re not as fit as we used to be, so nothing longer than 2-3 hours)? Maybe also 1 or 2 cable car rides—I was thinking of Oeschinensee Lake above Kandersteg and the First gondola above Grindelwald for better panoramic views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau... all while keeping it doable with our schedule. We’ve ruled out the "premium" trip up to the Jungfraujoch for this time.
I’m also guessing that paying to access Wengen or Mürren only makes sense if we’re staying there for a few days, right?
- Is the road through the narrow valley of the White Lütschine toward Lauterbrunnen and beyond still worth it in terms of views and scenery?
On the way back, if we have a little time to explore Bern’s historic old town, what’s the best parking plan for a 1- or 2-hour stop?
Thanks in advance for your advice, fellow travelers familiar with this beautiful region! 😉
Amazing trip in May 2026: fantastic landscapes, such a different vibe from our other journeys, wonderful memories, but...
- Discovering the population: very few "native" Icelanders,
and exceptional discretion from the police, who were notably absent from the white vehicle stopped by the roadside that caught us speeding in mid-May...
To this day, only our inquiry with the car rental company has informed us of a "speeding ticket" message. More than a month later, we still don’t know the "severity" of the offense or the amount of the fine we’ll be "hit with."
Well, well, a taste of Icelandic administrative experience...
Hi,
I’ll be in Barcelona at the end of October.
I can choose to be there over the weekend or during the week. Probably 4 nights.
Is there a big difference in terms of crowds in the city and in the museums?
Little or no difference would simplify my itinerary on the way.
Hi there,
I’ll be in Rome from April 1st to 13th, 2026—it’s coming up fast!
I’ve been searching online for tickets to visit the Borghese Gallery, but either there’s no availability or the tickets offered are ridiculously expensive.
Could someone guide me to a website where I can book 2 skip-the-line tickets (I’ve heard you have to reserve in advance online)?
Hi everyone,
I rented a car through Klaus Wagen, picking it up in downtown Porto and returning it in downtown Lisbon.
After paying, I read some pretty negative reviews about them.
So, can anyone reassure me with positive experiences they’ve had with them?
Thanks in advance!
Hello, VoyageForum friends, and happy holidays!
I’m planning a trip with my 19-year-old grandson to Milan for Easter Saturday, Sunday, and Monday in 2025.
I’d love your insights on what we can visit in Milan that would interest both my grandson and me (I’m 75). Of course, I’m thinking of the must-sees, but not just those—cozy little restaurants, trendy neighborhoods, and anything else you’d recommend. I’m also looking for a comfortable hotel in the city center that isn’t too expensive!
I’m sure the VoyageForum community will help me uncover some hidden gems! Looking forward to your replies.
Hi there,
I’m heading to Setúbal at the end of June with my granddaughter, and I can’t seem to find clear info on the best way to get from Lisbon Airport to Setúbal. It looks like there’s a train or bus, but I can’t find the exact names of the bus (or train) companies or the precise departure points. Thanks if anyone can help me out! 😉 Just to clarify, I’m on a tight budget and have already ruled out taxis or similar options.
Hello,
We’re heading to Puglia at the end of May. We’re a senior couple. We arrive in Bari, where we’ve booked accommodation for 2 nights. We’ve rented a car.
Day 1: Bari
Day 2: Polignano a Mare – Monopoli
Day 3: Ostuni – Brindisi
Day 4: Lecce
Day 5 & 6: Exploring the coast from Otranto to Santa Maria di Leuca
Day 7 & 8: Gallipoli area
Day 9 & 10: Matera
We’re considering renting a place near Lecce for 5 days and using it as a base to explore the region.
Hi there,
I visited the Faroe Islands in late March 2026 for about ten days. I was invited by a friend who lives near Tórshavn, so I don’t have any info on tourist accommodations or car rentals. Still, I’d like to share a few thoughts about my trip:
- Before leaving, I consulted travel guides and blogs. I was surprised by how repetitive and unoriginal the featured sites were. This leads hurried travelers to follow the same overcrowded routes, which can annoy locals. I found that all Faroese villages were interesting—they reflect the country’s identity, even without the iconic grass-roofed houses. Those are indeed harmonious and beautiful, but they feel like an exotic cliché. For activities, I loved the lively ports that keep the country running.
- I was annoyed by the paid trails in tourist spots. Locals explained that these paths cross private land, and owners are responsible for maintenance and safety. There are plenty of free trails, too—signs at the start detail their features. While not alarmist, the extreme and unpredictable weather is a key factor to consider before setting out.
- The wind’s strength really impressed me. The architecture, with doors and windows opening outward to prevent gusts from blowing roofs off, speaks to the harsh climate. Some days, relentless rain and squalls made going outside unappealing. I realized that in this country, it’s best to plan for flexible indoor days.
- Distances are relatively short. I was happy to be based near Tórshavn because it was easy to explore one or more places in a day. The roads are in great condition. In late March, diesel was 2 €. Tunnel tolls can add up (~26 € per crossing), making a fixed base less practical than I’d thought.
- Everyone agrees: the landscapes are breathtaking. Nature feels untamed here—except for the short grass, thanks to all the woolly sheep.
- The flight from Paris to the Faroe Islands (and back) was long in March—11 hours with three legs: Paris-Amsterdam, Amsterdam-Copenhagen, Copenhagen-Vágar. In bad weather, Vágar Airport can close, causing delays. During tourist season, Atlantic Airways offers a direct Paris-Faroe Islands flight, which is more comfortable and cheaper.
- I found a book recommendation in a guide that fascinated me after my trip: *Les collectionneurs d'images* by Joanes Nielsen. Through its sometimes caricatured characters, it offers a glimpse into Faroese mentalities from the 1950s to 1970s—attitudes that likely persist today.
In conclusion, I’ve traveled a lot and I’m tired of destinations that all start to look the same. The Faroe Islands were a delight—a country stunning in its landscape, climate, and culture, where tourism has barely altered its authenticity.
Hi there,
We’re planning a trip for October to visit Naples (6 nights) and the Amalfi Coast (5 nights). We’ve already got the historic center and the Lapis Museum in Naples, Pompeii, Herculaneum, Procida, Sorrento, and Ravello on our list. Any suggestions, addresses, or tips?
Thanks for your help.
Hello,
We’re heading to Rome from 21/09, arriving in the early afternoon, and returning on 28/09, leaving in the morning. We’ve already booked our flight tickets and our accommodation in the city center: Via Ezio.
I’d love to get your feedback on our itinerary and if there are any visits we should book right now:
Monday 21 afternoon:
Largo di Torre Argentina: a sacred spot for cats.
Tuesday 22:
The Vatican: Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel in the morning. Afternoon: St. Peter’s Basilica, the dome, and if possible, the necropolis.
Wednesday 23:
Morning: Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Afternoon: Trastevere neighborhood and the Monumento a Garibaldi.
Thursday 24:
Piazza Navona, Church of St. Louis of the French, the Pantheon, Campo de’ Fiori, Piazza Venezia, Piazza Santa Maria Maggiore, Trevi Fountain.
Friday 25:
Villa Borghese, Piazza del Popolo, Spanish Steps, Quirinale, Piazza della Repubblica, and Santa Maria degli Angeli.
Saturday 26:
Aventine and Testaccio neighborhoods, the Capuchin Crypt.
Sunday 27:
Ostia.
Monday 28:
Departure.
Are any days too packed, or should we add more visits?
Thanks for your input and help!
Cheers!
Anne
Summer 2027 is going to be Norwegian for us!
We’re heading to the Lofoten Islands first, then Senja, near Tromsø, and finally the North Cape.
We’ll likely start from northern Finland (flight tickets and car rentals are more affordable there).
I’d like to book accommodations early to have more options.
Good value-for-money places go fast in these pricey Nordic destinations...
But where should we book?
We’re planning to stay around ten nights in the Lofoten Islands.
What’s the best approach?
One place in the central part and explore from there?
One place in the south and another in the center?
Or one in the south, one in the center, and one in the north (3-4-3 nights)?
Hi there,
I’m looking for some great tips for a stay in Palma de Mallorca this summer.
I need cheap flights departing from Toulouse and affordable accommodation for 4 people.
What do you recommend?
Best regards,
I’d love to get your thoughts on the following itinerary (late May). I like to take my time in ruins and museums, and beaches don’t interest me. I’ll be staying in hostels and using public transport. Do you see any major omissions or things that aren’t worth it?
Thanks!
Day 1: Arrival in CATANIA
Day 2: Catania – visit (fish market, cathedral, Biscarri Palace, etc.)
Day 3: Mount Etna (day trip)
Day 4: Morning trip to TAORMINA, visit the town
Day 5: Alcantara Gorge (day trip) + more time in Taormina
Day 6: Trip to SYRACUSE, visit Ortigia
Day 7: Ortigia
Day 8: NOTO (day trip) (or another Baroque town?)
Day 9: Syracuse Archaeological Park + more time in Ortigia (or leave for Enna?)
Day 10: Transport via Enna? TO BE RESOLVED (long, 2 or 3 changes, limited accommodation in Enna...)
Day 11: AGRIGENTO: town and Scala dei Turchi (optional)
Day 12: Valley of the Temples + archaeological museum
Day 13: Departure for TRAPANI (4h), afternoon: town (+ salt flats?)
Day 14: Segesta (day trip) + town/Erice
Day 15: Monte Cofano Nature Reserve (hike + summit) (day trip)
Day 16: Zingaro Nature Park (coastal route out, ridge route back) (day trip)
Day 17: Departure for the AEGADIAN ISLANDS: Levanzo and Favignana (bike), overnight if possible
Day 18: Egadi Islands
Day 19: Departure for PALERMO + first visits
Day 20: The city
Day 21: The city (Monreale?)
Day 22: Options:
- Capo Gallo hike (3.5h round trip) (via Mondello)
- Cefalù (45 min by train)
Day 23: Return flight
Hello,
We’re heading to Bavaria from May 13 to 23, with a side trip to Austria.
Here’s our itinerary:
Day 1: Brussels-Munich
Day 2: Munich
Day 3: Munich and departure for Salzburg
We’ll be staying three nights in Salzburg.
Then we’ll head to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, where we’ll stay for five nights.
Visiting Munich and Salzburg isn’t too tricky.
Once in Garmisch, we’re planning a day in Innsbruck, a day for Neuschwanstein Castle, and the rest is still up in the air.
What’s really got me stumped is that we’d love to see Königssee Lake—everyone says it’s a must-see.
We’d also like to visit the Eagle’s Nest (Kehlsteinhaus), where the landscapes are supposedly stunning.
This would either be a round trip while we’re in Salzburg or on the way between Salzburg and Garmisch, but I’m guessing it’s impossible to do the drive from Salzburg to Garmisch, the Eagle’s Nest, *and* Königssee Lake all in one day.
Plus, the Alpine route between Salzburg and Garmisch seems prettier than the highway.
But honestly, I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed with the planning.
We should’ve added a stop between Salzburg and Garmisch, but the hotels are already booked.
Thanks for any advice on the itinerary and visits!
Another question: How far in advance should we book Neuschwanstein, Königssee, and the Eagle’s Nest in May?
Thanks so much in advance for your tips and ideas!
hi
I’m wondering if anyone can give me some info on how to get from Mallorca to Menorca.
Since flights are cheaper to Mallorca, I’d like to go that way.
Thanks so much for your help!
We’re planning a trip to Finland and Norway this summer, starting in Oulu to explore Lapland, heading up to the North Cape, and then making our way down to Bergen.
This route means renting a car in Finland and dropping it off in Norway. My initial searches are showing rental rates that are... astronomical—about three times the price compared to returning it at the starting point.
I’m guessing I’m not the only one wanting to visit both countries. Are there any great tips to drastically reduce the cost of renting a car?
Hi there, we’re a couple of bikers planning a trip to Majorca in June 2026, and I’d love to organize a half-day or full-day boat or catamaran outing. Which coast do you think is the nicest for this, and do you have any suggestions or personal experiences to share? Thanks in advance!
Hi there,
Does anyone know if there are any works in progress at Torcello, and if so, what type of works and how long they’re expected to last?
Thanks in advance
Hi everyone,
I’m sharing my draft itinerary with you because I just booked our flight tickets, and I feel like it’s quite late in the season. So, I’d like to be sure about my stops before reserving the hotels. I’ll be traveling alone with my two adult children. We want to prioritize outdoor walks, avoid too many indoor visits (both for budget and preference), and not spend too much time on the road.
D1: Arrival at 9 AM in Malaga, day in Malaga and overnight stay
D2: Head straight to Nerja (1-hour drive) and spend the night there
D3: Head straight to Granada (1.5-hour drive), spend the day and night there
D4: Granada. Visit the Alhambra (Nasrid Palaces tour at 5 PM) and spend the night
D5: Head to Ronda (2.5-hour drive) and spend the night
D6: White Villages and overnight in Ronda
D7: Head straight to the Costa del Sol (e.g., Estepona), spend the day and night there
D8: Return to Malaga to catch our flight
There you go! This itinerary takes into account that we’d like to do a circuit starting from Seville in a few years. That said, it’d be a shame to miss something doable from Malaga.
Questions:
Since the Alhambra visit is only at 5 PM, and we’d already have the day to explore Granada, would arriving the day before be a mistake? Or should we skip this day and dedicate it elsewhere (Costa del Sol? Head toward Tabernas?)? The old town appeals to me, but maybe the Sacromonte neighborhood isn’t essential...
Same question for Ronda: should we dedicate a full day to it, or combine Ronda and the White Villages in one day?
Note that we love wandering around villages outside, so that might answer my question! :)
Final question: Is it better to rent the car at Malaga Airport or in the city? If we rent at the airport, we’d need a hotel with parking, which doesn’t seem easy. Or stay outside the city and park for free near the center if possible? I’ve read comments about taking a taxi to Malaga and then picking up the rental car at the airport the next morning. The taxi would really need to be affordable...
Thanks so much for your feedback and suggestions for visits during this little circuit.
Have a great day, everyone!
Christine
Hello,
we’re a couple planning a 2-week road trip this August, with a must-stop (about 3 days on Skye). Any route suggestions? Hotel recommendations? Photo spots?