How I Got A Schengen Visa In A Week
Abi Patel shares how he was able to get a Portuguese Schengen visa in under a week and join his friends for an unforgettable road trip through Portugal
Jun 28, 2022
6 min read
I recently took a trip to Europe and had a completely cashless experience. It was amazing! I was able to use my phone to pay for everything from public transportation, to meals, to souvenirs. I even used my phone to withdraw cash from ATMs when I needed it. I loved not worrying about carrying around a lot of cash or losing it. The whole experience was so convenient and easy.
You won't even believe how shocked I was when the food vendor didn't even want to accept my cash. It was a fantastic realization that the world is officially changing to a cashless environment.
You're probably wondering...
Though it may seem strange to Americans, who are used to carrying around cash and using it for everyday purchases, Europe has primarily done away with cash. Less than one in five Europeans use cash for daily transactions, and the trend is only declining. There are several reasons for this shift away from cash. For one, using a card or phone to pay for things is more convenient. No more fumbling for coins or bills or worrying about whether you have enough cash on hand.
But there are also safety concerns. Carrying around cash can be risky, as it can be easily lost or stolen. And if it is stolen, there's no way to get it back. On the other hand, you can cancel the payment with a card or phone if it's lost or stolen.
Also, due to COVID-19, cash is not being used as often to prevent the spread of the virus, which has resulted in even more of a decline in cash usage.
So don't be surprised if you find yourself paying for everything with your card or phone the next time you're in Europe.
Although a cashless experience is excellent, there are a few tips that we must get into before you jump on your plane.
Whether you're backpacking through Europe or taking a luxurious vacation, one thing's for sure – you don't want to be lugging around a lot of cash. Not only is it a security risk, but it's also a hassle to constantly be exchanging currency. Luckily, Europe is one of the most cashless continents, so you can enjoy a stress-free vacation if you follow these tips:
Your credit card is your best friend for a cashless vacation in Europe. Make sure you have a card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees, so you can use it for all your purchases without worrying about a hidden fee.
I'm always looking for ways to save money when I travel. But, of course, the exchange rate is always the most significant expense. I've tried several methods to get the best rate, but my new favorite is using a travel credit card. I recently got a travel credit card, which has been a game-changer. Not only do I get points for every dollar I spend, but I also get the best exchange rate possible. I've used it in a few different countries, which has saved me a lot of money. So if you're looking for a way to save money on your next trip, I highly recommend getting a travel credit card.
On my recent vacation in Europe and found myself using a mobile payment app to pay for things more often than I thought I would. I found it a very convenient way to pay for things, especially when I was out and about and didn't have cash. I recommend using a mobile payment app to pay for things in Europe, as it can make your life much easier.
When traveling to another country such as Europe, you must familiarize yourself with the local currency. This will help you budget your spending and avoid getting ripped off by unscrupulous vendors. Be sure to keep track of the exchange rate to budget accordingly.
Now that I've equipped you with a few handy tips let's take a look at the advantages that I've noticed when I was traveling cashless in Europe
There are a few advantages of a cashless vacation. First, you do not have to worry about carrying a lot of cash. This can be helpful if you are worried about losing your money or getting robbed.
Another advantage of a cashless vacation is that you can keep track of your spending. When you use cash, it is easy to lose track of how much you are spending. This can lead to overspending and getting into debt. When you use a credit or debit card, you can see exactly how much you spend. This can help you stay on budget and avoid getting into debt.
You must already know that anything has its pros and cons. So let's get to the disadvantages of a cashless vacation in Europe.
There are a few disadvantages of a cashless vacation. First, you may have to pay fees to use your credit or debit card. These fees can add up, mainly if you use your card a lot. Another disadvantage of a cashless vacation is that you may not be able to get cash back from some places. This can be a problem if you need cash for an emergency. Finally, a cashless vacation can be a problem if you lose your card. If you lose your card, you will not be able to get any cash. Again, this can be a problem if you need cash for an emergency.
However, we can also tell you what you can do in a situation if your card gets declined.
If your card gets declined while you're in Europe, there are a few things you can do to try to fix the issue. First, ensure you have enough money to cover the purchase. If you do, call your card issuer to see if there are any issues with your account or if your card has been blocked for any reason. They may be able to help you resolve the issue so you can continue using your card.
If your card issuer cannot help, you can try using a different card. If you have more than one card, try using a different one to see if that will work. If you don't have another card, then you can try to find an ATM and withdraw cash to pay for your purchase. Lastly, if you're still having trouble, you can find a store that accepts cash or a different form of payment. In some cases, you may be able to use a traveler's check or even PayPal to pay for your purchase.
While there are some challenges to using cashless payment methods while vacationing in Europe, overall, it is a great way to travel. With some planning, you can enjoy a stress-free vacation without worrying about finding a place to exchange currency or getting ripped off by high exchange rates. Please also check our FAQ section for additional information on a cashless European vacation.
Yes, you can. If you're like most people, you probably use your phone for just about everything. You use it to stay connected with your friends and family, you use it to stay up-to-date on the latest news, and you use it to find out information about just about anything you can think of. However, you may not know that you can also use your phone to pay for things. That's right, several apps and services allow you to pay for things using your phone.
If you are unsure if your bank works with ATMs in Europe, your best bet is to contact your bank directly. Give them a call or log into your online banking account and send them a message. They should be able to give you all the information you need. If you have a debit card from a major bank, there's a good chance it will work fine in an ATM in Europe. Most European ATMs accept Visa, Mastercard, and Cirrus/Maestro cards. American Express is also widely accepted.
If you lose your card in Europe, you should immediately report it to your card issuer. You should also contact the local police and file a report. It would be best if you also kept a close eye on your credit report and bank statements for any suspicious activity.