Nervous about International travel next week...

wmheel1287 said:
Its been about a year and a half since last in Europe but when in Italy I was surprised how prevalent cash and coins were.
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Italy is notorious for being pro-cash, especially at the traditional retail and grocery level. They've come up with all sorts of incentives to get more mom and pop stores to accept cards.
 
For tipping in both Spain and Portugal, 5-10% is the norm, if you do tip. However, especially in Portugal, it is not "required" or expected at most places, but if you do want to leave a tip, Cash is really the only way. If paying by card, they bring the terminal to you, show you the amount charged, and you tap and go. The receipt won't have a place to write in the tip. If you must leave a tip on the card, you have to tell them a new total with the tip included so they can process the correct amount. However, most of the time that goes straight to the restaurant and the server never sees it. Unlike the states, bars don't expect tips for just serving drinks.
Touristy places will have a jar by the register but no one pushes it all.
Off the beaten path, you might find it difficult to use a credit card, so it is ALWAYS a smart thing to have some cash. Also, public toilets aren't free and usually cost 50 cents to a Euro, so cash is smart for emergencies too.
 
Another thing to remember/know about paying with a credit card, many times you will be given the option to pay in US dollars or the native currency. ALWAYS pay in the native currency, as they hit you with a lousy exchange rate. Your bank's exchange rate is always much lower. Also, NEVER get cash from an Euronet machine. Lousy exchange rates and very high terminal fee. I have also heard rumors that they steal your info. If you see an ATM labeled Multi-Banco, they have no terminal fees.
 
gregh1 said:
Barcelona is an awesome place. For bonus points learn some words or phrases in Catalon.
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The highlight of our trip to Barcelona was wandering by and catching the dance thing the locals do behind the cathedral on (I think) Sunday afternoon.

It is a beautiful folk tradition that is zero percent touristy or performative (at least not for an audience other than themselves). Anyone who has been out shopping puts their groceries bags (or other bags and or possessions) in a pile in the center of a circle and they all dance around it. Maybe each person individually only dances a minute or two and then they collect their stuff and go on their way. But people keep coming and going as-hoc so the whole thing keeps going for quite awhile.

It has a name which I’m too lazy atm to look up. But it was so authentic and charming that it’s always the first thing I think of when someone says they are going to Barcelona.
 
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