Ukraine--CCs & Debit cards

Was just in Odessa two weeks ago and only had one issue with my credit card - that was when I landed and tried to withdraw some cash from the airport ATM - the machine ate my card and wouldn't complete or cancel the transaction. After a few minutes waiting, I gave up since I had already called an Uber. The main reason for wanting cash is that I was flying in from Belarus where all the Uber drivers needed to be paid in cash. I got in the Uber and called Fidelity to cancel the card and make sure nothing was taken from my account. Thankfully, Uber didn't need cash and was billed to my credit card directly.

Outside of this one hiccup, I didn't have any issues getting cash elsewhere or paying for most things with a cc without needing a pin.

It does pay to have multiple sources (i.e. debit cards) to get cash. I have had issues in Turkey and also Vietnam in the past where my debit card got eaten by the machine. That is why between my wife and i we have 4 debit cards that we only use for cash withdrawals.

I've use my BoA Credit Cards and Debit Cards in Kyiv, Lviv and Odessa. No problem at all. The only issue i had was when i dropped my credit card a the hotel restaurant in Odessa, didn't realize it and went shopping. When I needed it and couldnt find it i ran back to the hotel. When I walked into the lobby, the desk clerk stopped me and handed the card to me. No fraudulent charges, no problems, only a little surprise from the clerk that i would be so worried about such things.

I had no problems with my chip-and-signature credit card, and I believe yours will be OK, too.

ATMs are a different matter unless you are OK with paying fees. Ukraine is awash in banks (there must be dozens), many of whose ATMs charge fees. I listed some no-fee ATMs in a post in the very recent "Lviv train station - ATMs and taxis" thread in this same sub-forum. I'm sorry that I don't have any way to type the names in the Ukrainian alphabet for you.

Also watch out for dynamic currency conversion at both ATMs and restaurants/shops. It is alive and well in Ukraine. Always insist on using the local currency.

A credit card to withdraw cash from an ATM? Bad idea anywhere. A debit card gives you your own money from your chequing account. The credit card withdrawal is considered a loan, at a high rate of interest --one of my cards charges 21 per cent, starting the instant the cash is in hand.
As for PINs, many merchant transactions here in Canada still require a PIN even though the majority of our credit and ATM cards have chips. I think the original poster should consult her bank.

@Arnold and @James E., thanks for your responses.

@acraven, I'll look for your post. Thanks.

@Southam, I don't think my original post said anything about using a cc to withdraw cash. I know better than that. Nor did I ask about Canada. BTW, I'm male.

Thanks again everyone, your experiences are very helpful.

"Was just in Odessa two weeks ago and only had one issue with my credit card - that was when I landed and tried to withdraw some cash from the airport ATM - the machine ate my card and wouldn't complete or cancel the transaction." Arnold's post

Yes, get your PINs! You may never need them, but if you do and don't have them you are stuck. Your card issuers will argue with you that they are only for cash advances, just agree to that and move on. You will never be charged for a cash advance when you use your PIN to make a purchase outside the US.

Visa and MasterCard are the networks of importance now for cards. The sub-brands, Cirrus, Plus, Maestro, etc., don't come into play much any more so you will see them less and less on cards.

IF your debit cards have Visa or MasterCard emblem on them, they will work fine. If they are the older ATM only kind, it is iffy at best.

And the other comment about using credit cards to get cash out of an ATM was aimed at one of the other commenters who mentioned trying to use their credit card to get cash, not you.

Clarification - I was actually using one of my Fidelity debit cards to withdraw money from the ATM when the mishap happened. i had no issues using credit cards to pay at hotels, restaurants or when purchasing train tickets to Moldova.