Just got back from several weeks in Spain and France. I've traveled for many years and trips to Europe with a Capital One credit card (Wells Fargo transaction fees, etc. were adding up) and a Chas. Schwab debit card (another great suggestion from the Helpline. First leg of our trip was in Barcelona and we had no credit card issues; drove into France and the Captial One card was not accepted. I called Cap1 customer service and they were of little value - "everything looks fine here". OBTW - prior to departing, I alerted all of my banks, etc. of my itinerary, etc. No here's a strange twist - my Wells Fargo credit card was accepted either - decided not to call Wells Fargo and go to cash for all purchases, etc. Returned to Spain ~ 3 weeks later and the Cap1 card worked just fine! (It's a big time saver when driving on the toll roads back to Barcelona for our return trip). This situation is a real puzzle - we've traveled annually to Europe and NEVER had credit card nor ATM issues. Any one with similar experiences or suggestions on how to prevent or resolve in mid-trip?
Thanks!
Posted by
Washington, DC
884 posts
A clarification question: After your Capital One card was rejected that first time in France, did you attempt to use it again in France, or was the "3 weeks later" the first time you tried again? Just curious.
Posted by
Genesee, ID
1840 posts
One of the axioms of travel is that all credit cards will not work in all ATMs all the time. That's why two different cards are the norm.
Posted by
OP
Wynnewood, PA, USA
274 posts
Maryam - Cap1 VISA worked in Barcelona, Girona and on the Costa Brava,Spain for 10 days; then, failed to work in France for the next 8 days (Autoroute, a random shop or two, restaurant or two, and multiple cities); returned to Spain for 2 days/1 night and Cap1 work flawlessly. Go figure!
Thanks.
Posted by
OP
Wynnewood, PA, USA
274 posts
Monte - my credit card problem did not involve/relate to the use of a credit card and an ATM machine; I was not using a credit card for a cash withdrawal/advance. The Cap1 VISA card has been my credit card of choice when traveling in Europe; I brought along the Wells Fargo VISA as a backup and it too did not work while in France. Thanks,
Craig