French ATMs

Yes, American debit card will work in French ATMs.

I can't guarantee that all American debit cards will work in every ATM in France, but I know from personal experience over the years that debit cards will function fine in French ATMs.

Well, they worked fine for me in France in January. Not too surprised you had difficulties in Scandinavia as I hear they have gone largely cashless. However, can your bank get you an upgraded card, just in case?

The debit cards worked for us at ATMS last spring in Paris and throughout Normandy with no problem. Our friends were in Paris a few years ago; and used an outside ATM and someone grabbed the money right out of the machine as it came out; so since that happened we do go to an inside the bank lobby ATM when in Paris. (Or have a partner face outward; while the other uses the ATM.) But, we used outdoor ATM's everywhere else.

Your debit card should work at la Poste, CCF, BNP, or LCL ATMs. Other ATMs will likely charge local fees, those previously mentioned do not. Check with your bank about currency conversion fees and transaction fees.

Debit cards should work. Make sure you have a travel notification on your debit card before you leave. Pay attention to ATM’s and make sure you are using a bank on the main networks and a real bank. We were directed to an ATM across the street from our hotel in a swanky area. Deutsch bank. The exchange rate and fees were not what I anticipated and when I looked, it wasn’t really a bank. It was some division of deutsch bank. Very misleading, but I’m in finance so I know the deal. I ended up walking around and found a BNP Paribas. You will pay ATM fees, but they will be less when using real banks on the network like Star or Cirrus. Plus you get the spot rate for exchange.

Re BNP Paribas bank ATMs (at the BNP branches), we haven't ever been charged any fees because they have a relationship with Bank of America. I don't know if you have to have a certain type of account, but we've never been charged a fee with them in France or Spain. Likewise, Scotia Bank in Chile. You might check with your bank before leaving to see if they have any "partner" banks where you are headed. And our debit cards have always worked where we have tried them. (Haven't been to Scandinavia though.)

Did you notify your bank that you would traveling? While they may not be concerned about credit cards, they might want to know about ATM cards?

Is your PIN a four digit number? Larger pins may not work.

Is your ATM card attached to a major system like Plus?

I carry euros cash. Have never used a card in Europe, except for hotel bills at check-out. Safe and effective, just don't flash a lot of cash in public.

I am always more comfortable actually walking into the bank to use the ATM, especially if I’m alone. I figure if the machine eats my card, I have a better chance of getting it back again if the bank’s open and I’m using their machine in the vestibule.

I just ordered some euros from my local bank to take with us. I suspect the vast majority of our purchases will be taken care of with the credit card, but it’s nice to have a small amount of cash on you right when you start your trip. So that’s our strategy.

Laurie

Thanks very much to everyone who responded. I appreciate your helpful comments.

My Schwab debit card worked just fine at ATMs all over France, with any fees reimbursed. But now that everything in Europe is changing over to tap and go, you'll find little use for cash (but you should always have some or access to some).