Is there such a thing as a Europe Mastercard credit card?

Not exactly sure what you're asking? Mastercard and Visa are accepted worldwide. It doesn't matter if it's issued from a bank in the USA or Europe. If it's got the MC or Visa logo on it, you're good to go.

There is such a thing as EuroCard. It has "EuroCard" in bold letters at the top, but the Mastercard symbol on the righthand side. But I don't think you can get one. It says on the website that it is marketed in "13 European countries". I emailed them about how I could get one a few weeks ago, but have not heard back. The EuroCard has a chip.

It is for Europeans only. If you had an European address or a European bank association you might be able to get one. The big problem you would have is that they would bill you in Euro and you would have to remit payment in Euro which would be expensive from this side of the pond. And we have for the most part stopped used a credit card in Europe. Just find that cash is cheaper and more convenient especially if you have any worry about credit card security.

Thanks All! That's really what I thought. Now the next question is -- Are either the Mastercard or the Visa credit card troublesome to use, that is, do all merchants in all three countries accept them readily? In my research it looks as if the best method is to use the ATM card and pay cash? But I prefer not to carry much cash. And as we are traveling virtually every day, and not spending more that two days in any one place -- then I would like to use the credit card.

Master and Visa are widely accepted everywhere. The only exception can be automated ticket machines, toll roads, unmanned gas station - then you need a chip and pin card. Generally if it is a live person taking your card, you will have no problems.

I knows nuttin' about Greece or Turkey. Italy is a big place and I only have experience in the Veneto, Toscana, Umbria, Lazio, and south as far as Paestum. It has been my experience that nearly all businesses prefer cash. Any small to medium sized business may require it as many do not accept any cards. If you are driving - you don't say - you may have difficulty getting fuel or paying a toll if they are unmanned.

It is becoming vastly apparent that we should make sure we have enough Euros in Italy and Greece and New Turkish Lira in Turkey. And, as there seems to be abundant ATM's that shouldn't be a problem. In another thread there has been able advise on how to withdraw monies and how to protect and how to put into money belts. But we still want to use the credit card where possible. Carrying too much cash makes me nervous, and if you lose it, it is irretrievable.

"Generally if it is a live person taking your card, you will have no problems." Just remember that word "generally". Our card was refused twice in Stockholm on a recent trip because in wasn't chip-and-pin. And that was by live people. Always have options. Cash from ATMs works well.

Open a Capital One money market account and get an ATM card. They do not charge ATM fees, so you don't have to withdraw large amounts of cash to save fees. Just take what you need as you go. I don't remember ever not being able to use my credit card for hotels in Italy - but I often get a discount for paying cash. I prefer to use cash in restaurants - always leery about handing over my credit card to a waiter. I often use the card at museums, etc., for entrance fees and gift shop purchases.

Thanks for the tips Mike and Chani