Going to Europe, have a few questions

[SebC]

Originally Posted by 3 Justin 3

I am going Tuesday (closed Monday) and I am going to ask to open an account and apply/transfer my card. I just got my first Visa a month ago, so asking for another won't look too good, or else I will get another low-ball limit (I asked $5000, because of my trip (didn't mention it, didn't seem necessary) and they gave me the minimum, $500).

As of now I am thinking to keep my CIBC Visa (not enough time), and just pay everything debit (I know the system needs to accept PLUS).

With the TD Select Service account I can withdraw technically everyday overseas and never pay a penny (until I go under $5,000), so I will open that up on Tuesday. Good thing I make this thread, or I would have lost like $100 in charges and fees.

Thanks for the help.

Unless you've already got your hostel reservations made, you'll probably want to book ahead and you'll need your credit card for that (i.e. Hostelworld takes a 10% credit card deposit to make a booking). Don't recall being able to pay for things on debit. You'll need to make withdrawals and pay cash. Also, keep in mind that you might not always find a PLUS ATM when you want to. That can be a bit of a challenge in some places.

Try to get the credit card. It won't hurt your credit rating unless you start carrying debts on both of them. In fact, I've heard that it can actually help!

Also keep in mind you would be able to pay off your CIBC VISA with your TD account if you need to. I actually kept my CIBC chequing account open when I left (because my TD VISA hadn't arrived) so I could check my VISA balance online and pay it from my TD chequing account.

I think it'll cost you $6.50 for a money order, but that might have gone up. You probably wouldn't even be able to take it all out in cash, there's usually a limit on big withdrawals. But since the money order is made out to TD, you don't have to worry about getting mugged on the way out.

[JerzeeGirl]

Originally Posted by 3 Justin 3

Before I forget, how do I transfer my money from CIBC to TD? Is there an electronic way I can do it? I feel hesitant to walk out with that much cash (I won't mention how much). It'll make quite a wad if I do all 20's though...

I don't know if CIBC offers this but TD does so, look into whether CIBC do email money transfers. If they do, it's as simple as having e-banking available for both accts and then creating yourself as a recipient to send $$$ electronically from acct to acct.

TD charges $1.50 for each transfer but it's fairly quick (usually within 30mins to organize the transfer and then wait for the email that contains the link to deposit the funds into a new acct).

[3 Justin 3]

Originally Posted by SebC

Unless you've already got your hostel reservations made, you'll probably want to book ahead and you'll need your credit card for that (i.e. Hostelworld takes a 10% credit card deposit to make a booking). Don't recall being able to pay for things on debit. You'll need to make withdrawals and pay cash. Also, keep in mind that you might not always find a PLUS ATM when you want to. That can be a bit of a challenge in some places.

Try to get the credit card. It won't hurt your credit rating unless you start carrying debts on both of them. In fact, I've heard that it can actually help!

Also keep in mind you would be able to pay off your CIBC VISA with your TD account if you need to. I actually kept my CIBC chequing account open when I left (because my TD VISA hadn't arrived) so I could check my VISA balance online and pay it from my TD chequing account.

I think it'll cost you $6.50 for a money order, but that might have gone up. You probably wouldn't even be able to take it all out in cash, there's usually a limit on big withdrawals. But since the money order is made out to TD, you don't have to worry about getting mugged on the way out.

I have made 5 reservations for (My German segment of the trip) and I have used my CC. I plan on making all my reservations on the internet, and considering a lot of my hostels have internet (some free) I can book from them. I will apply for a Visa/transfer on Tuesday when I go, and hopefully. They can get me one by August 14 (when I leave).

How would I pay my CIBC visa (If I can't transfer/get new one), with a TD account. I know with CIBC I could just go to "Pay Bills" online and pay it off right there. Does TD offer something similar online, but I can pay my CIBC visa as well?

[getbak]

Originally Posted by 3 Justin 3

How would I pay my CIBC visa (If I can't transfer/get new one), with a TD account. I know with CIBC I could just go to "Pay Bills" online and pay it off right there. Does TD offer something similar online, but I can pay my CIBC visa as well?

I have a Royal Bank Visa and an MBNA MasterCard, plus an American Express card and I pay them all from my TD account. You set them up through your online banking like any other company you can pay directly (CIBC Visa is one of the available options).

You would have to log on to your CIBC account to find out how much you owe, but beyond that, it's the same as any online payment.

[3 Justin 3]

Well I signed up for the Select Service account today. Unfortunately, I still have to pay the 2.5% on currency conversion when withdrawing in Europe. At least I can do it and not pay $5 each time. But still if I ended up withdrawing all my money I would pay over $100 in these stupid charges. CIBC has the same 2.5% thing, but I can't find a bank without the 2.5% charge. If anyone knows one, please let me know and I will forget TD (even thought I just opened), and go there.

The link to where it says, has it at the bottom. Number 3.