meredithmn

We were only in Hungary 1 day and was advised that the store clerk would convert the Euro to Forints if you tell them before they ring up your purchase. 285 forints = $1. US dollar Therefore I didn't make the exchange and only used Euro. My ATM card wouldn't work in any of the bank ATM's. It didn't have a "chip" like the credit cards so I had no choice but to use the credit card to do cash advances. Paid exchange rate plus withdrawal fee. $$$$. All of Germany and Austria accept Euro. You will need some .50 cent Euro's for the toilets in some place's but look for the tourist info centers and / or buy a coffee or tea use the establishments restrooms for free!:)

Kaudreamer12: not sure why your atm wouldn't work....you don't need a chip to use your debit card in European ATMs. I took the Viking Grand European cruise this spring from Amsterdam to Budapest and had no problems getting money from any of the atms. I use a debit card from my credit union which has no foreign currency charge and got a good exchange rate in Amsterdam, Germany and Budapest.

I went on this tour in June with Viking and it was 49 E and that included the bus transportation. I enjoyed it. We had guided time and some (not much) free time.

It was the Vienna Residence chamber orchestra and the program was 1/2 Mozart and 1/2 Strauss. There were two singers-a soprano and a baritone. There were also two ballet dancers. Having a variety like this made it very entertaining. The only downside was the crowded room with no ventilation which quickly heated up.

I posted an answer, but it doesn't seem to be showing up. I will go find the program and respond again later today.

I just did this in June. It was held in an old palace, nice but little air ventilation and it was hot, especially as the chairs were very close together (narrow rows, too). It was a string quartet and a piano I think, plus dancers. I liked everything but being too warm. I was glad I did it.