Bringing €1,200 in US$ cash is a bad idea too due to the security issues.
Yes - or just losing it etc.or due to the security issue of the fear of getting mugged or robbed?
Yes - but carrying that much cash at any time and in any circumstances is risky.
Carrying any amount of cash is risky and anyway we put ours straight in the safe as soon as we arrived at the hotel and never carried too much around at any one time.
I'd carry a small amount of US$ or just get the cash from an ATM when I arrive. I have travelled to many non € destinations in the past without carrying any native currency and never had any problems.Can I ask how you would then pay for things like tipping, parking meters, vending machines, fast food outlets, taxis, buses etc.
No - not if you preload a CC and you avoid ATMs that charge additional fees. I have only once paid an ATM fee (US$2) to get cash from my CC. Obviously I pay the CC's forex marging on € to US$ conversions but nothing else.Plus if you find yourself short on cash during your time in the states, will the charges not be huge to withraw cash using the credit card at an ATM?
Fair enough but carrying €1.2K or more is obviously riskier than carrying a smaller amount. I personally would not be comfortable with carrying that amount of cash around at any time but especially when navigating airports, transport and foreign destinations.
Can I ask how you would then pay for things like tipping, parking meters, vending machines, fast food outlets, taxis, buses etc.