I live in Canada. All my money is in a credit union not a bank (Coast capital savings). It's a province specific credit union. I was in the union today to take some money out for my trip to Europe next month and one customer overheard me saying so. He said that when he went to Europe and South america, he had a very hard time taking money out from the ATM machines. His friend he was with, had their account in a major national brand bank and he had absolutely no trouble. the customer reccomended that I take a few thousand and open up another account in a large bank to take the money out. Anyone know if the guy is right? Any credit union users that have found to have problems taking money out?
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32227 posts
Anna,
I also deal extensively with Credit Unions here in B.C. and except for a minor problem last year, have never had any trouble using my ATM card in Europe.
A few points to keep in mind...
Your travel funds MUST be in a chequing account, with a four-number PIN.
It's a REALLY good idea to always travel with a "backup" card. My primary card wouldn't work for a week or so on my trip last year due to a "coding issue" between financial institutions. Fortunately I had another card, which really helped! My Credit Union noticed my withdrawal attempts and FORTUNATELY called me to enquire (I always travel with a Cell phone). If they hadn't been able to reach me, they probably would have de-activated both cards (which would have been a major problem!).
It's also a really good idea to have at least one credit card.
If you try to withdraw funds at an ATM and the transaction is declined, don't panic! Try again a bit later. ATM's are sometimes out of service for data maintenance (keeping the time difference in mind between North America and Europe).
BE SURE to notify your Credit Union that you'll be travelling in Europe, so they don't "freeze" your card when they notice the change in spending patterns.
Happy travels!
Posted by
OP
White Rock, BC, Canada
15 posts
Thanks to everyone for your replies. i think i have a handle on this now.
Posted by
winston salem, nc, usa
1078 posts
What probably happened was that the cu didn't have both a Plus and/or Cirrus symbol on it's card.
when I go to the UK, I have to find an ATM with the Plus logo to get $$, and, the same on the continent.
If yours has both memberships, pas de problem, otherwise, look at the member symbols on the ATM
Posted by
Florida, USA
12172 posts
The important thing is the network logos that are on your card. Some credit unions offer access to plenty of ATMs in Europe. Some banks don't.
A debit card with a Visa or Master Card logo on it is ideal. It will allow access at virtually every ATM in Europe.
If you don't have that, what networks or syndicates do you have? Some are very large but might be limited to North American ATMs. Your bank (or online) should be able to provide a list locations for each of the networks listed on your card.
If it's going to be a real problem, it may be worth opening an account at a larger bank that offers a debit card and using it to put your travel money into. In the US, it's not hard to find a free checking account for the purpose. I'm not sure if that's true in Canada.
Posted by
Calgary
2297 posts
Talk to YOUR credit union as not all are the same. I'm still banking with Citizensbank to the last day they'll be around because as small as they are - smaller than Coast Capital - I could use any ATM in Europe I tried, had no daily limits for withdrawals (after informinng them about my trip). My husband had more problems with his TD bank card. Trying to switch to another credit union in Calgary now and realize I won't get that again. And BC has better credit unions than Alberta ...