EuroCheapo's Money Matters Articles

How to rent a villa in Tuscany. Is it right for you?

A villa in Tuscany. Photo by Nika.
A villa in Tuscany. Photo by Nika.

Mar 16 A few years ago my wife and I pulled a daredevil stunt: We rented a 1,100 year old villa in Tuscany and invited both sides of our families to join us for a week-long vacation. Now, before you ask “what were you thinking?” or say “that doesn’t sound particularly Cheapo, Pete,” let me explain further. » Read more

Posted in Alternative Accommodations, Florence, Italy, Money Matters, Other

Using an American iPhone in Europe… without going broke

Using an American iPhone in Europe… without going broke

Mar 11 Note: This article was updated in February 2013 with new rates and information. If you’re an American iPhone user getting ready to take a trip to Europe, you’ve likely been warned about using your iPhone abroad. After all, AT&T and Verizon’s rates for international data use can be confusing, and misunderstanding your usage or iPhone » Read more

Posted in Ask the Cheapos, Cheapos at work, France, Italy, Money Matters, Paris, Practical Info, technology

Helsinki: Is the Helsinki Card worth it?

Helsinki: Is the Helsinki Card worth it?

Jan 19 In the costly city of Helsinki, opportunities to cut costs are always welcome. While finding a budget-friendly bed is possible, some hefty expenses (museums, meals, and nights on the town) are unavoidable. If you’re planning a trip to the Finnish capital, chances are you’ll see the Helsinki Card advertised as a must-have for visitor discounts. » Read more

Posted in Budget Deals, Finland, Money Matters, Museums, Practical Info, transportation, Travel Smarts

Prague: 4 tips for cheap dining in Prague

Prague: 4 tips for cheap dining in Prague

Jan 14 Last week, we shared three Cheapo-friendly pubs in Prague. To maximize your Czech eating experience, however, there are a few more things you should know about where and when to go, as well as how much to leave for the tip. Read on to make sure you’re getting your Czech kroners’ worth! 1. Go at » Read more

Posted in Czech Republic, Food, Money Matters, Practical Info, Prague, tips

Paris Prices: What you can expect to pay—and how to pay less

Paris Prices: What you can expect to pay—and how to pay less

Jan 11 When you plan a vacation, you generally budget a certain amount that you want to pay for airfare and a hotel. Yet, many forget to plan for all the little expenses—which can really add up if you’re not careful. Here’s our handy cheat sheet for what you can expect to pay for some basic items in Paris, as well as » Read more

Posted in City Guides, Destinations, France, Money Matters, Paris

Renting a Car: Watch out for speeding tickets… and extra charges!

Renting a Car: Watch out for speeding tickets… and extra charges!

Dec 04 This is a warning to anyone renting a car anywhere in Europe: know what you’re getting yourself in for! The natural instinct when booking a car is to go with the absolute cheapest rate possible, but rental car companies are notorious for tacking on hidden fees and surcharges (some are worse than others) that can » Read more

Posted in cars, London, Money Matters, Practical Info, transportation, Travel Smarts, United Kingdom

Coming to Grips with Europe: Who uses the euro?

Coming to Grips with Europe: Who uses the euro?

Oct 27 Okay, so you think you’ve got Europe absolutely sussed out? You recognize the difference between an ogonek and an umlaut, know your pelmeni from your pierogi, and can map with precision the boundaries between the six time zones that straddle the European mainland? (Yes, there really are six separate one-hour time zones on the mainland » Read more

Posted in Andorra, Cyprus, Europe, hidden europe, Money Matters, politics, Practical Info, Switzerland, United Kingdom

Paris: Five “frugalicious” budget tips to live by

Paris: Five “frugalicious” budget tips to live by

Oct 26 By Theadora Brack in Paris– Being “frugalicious” whilst painting the City of Light red need not be a chore.  In fact, I often find in Paris that the very act of pinching pennies actually enhances the overall experience (said not in a Polly Anna sort of way, I assure you!). Here are five of my favorite tricks for » Read more

Posted in Bars, City Guides, City Transportation, Food, France, Money Matters, Paris, Practical Info, transportation, Travel Smarts

Moving to Madrid: 8 tips for before the move

Moving to Madrid: 8 tips for before the move

Sep 14 (Editor’s note: Stephanie is moving to Madrid from Los Angeles in one week. EuroCheapo will be checking in with her before and after she makes the big move.) You have a travel visa and you’ve booked your flight. It’s official: You’re moving to Madrid. If you’re like me, you want to have everything figured out » Read more

Posted in Madrid, Money Matters, Spain, Trip Planning, Wandering Cheapos

Paris Transit: Buying RER and Metro tickets with an American credit card

Paris Transit: Buying RER and Metro tickets with an American credit card

Aug 13 Arriving in Paris can be a wonderful experience. Certain aspects, however, can be quite frustrating—especially for travelers who arrive armed only with an American credit card. Why? Because the RER (regional train) and Paris Metro ticket machines only accept “EC” credit cards that are security-chip enabled. American credit cards are not equipped with this technology and, » Read more

Posted in Airports, City Transportation, France, Money Matters, Paris, Practical Info, Train, transportation, Trip Planning