Hi I am going to be spending this coming semester in Rome and I am unsure on the situation with my debt card. I was wondering does anyone recommend a credit card or debt/ATM card for me while abroad? Thanks for your help
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9363 posts
Shop around for a debit card that charges lower fees, maybe even none. My local credit union debit card doesn't charge any additional fees for withdrawing funds while abroad. The major banks' cards generally charge 1-3% for foreign transactions.
As for credit cards, Capital One and Charles Schwab are the two that are mentioned here as having no foreign transaction fees for charges abroad.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32212 posts
Jordan,
I'm assuming you mean your debit card? If you're going to be accessing cash via ATM's, I would definitely recommend at least one (and preferably two) debit/ATM cards. Note that your funds must be in a chequing account with a four number PIN. The card should have the Cirrus / Maestro or other logos on the back.
At least one credit card would also be a really good idea, in case of "emergencies" or unexpected expenses. As you'll be in Rome for a Semester, you might consider delegating someone back home to pay the bill (unless you're going to take care of that via online banking).
Buon Viaggio!
Posted by
Wichita
831 posts
Posted by
Grafenwoehr, Germany
9 posts
Ask about the foreign transaction fees you will be charged. If they accept credit cards, they usually accept Visa or MC at the minimum, so that is not too big a deal. You won't be charged by the vendors in Europe, but your bank will charge you per transaction. I haven't had any problems with my debit card (has MC logo so I use it as debit for ATM/CC when buying something) being accepted anywhere.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
For good tips on getting cash in Europe, read Money 101 by Rick Steves.