First off, sorry if this has been covered. I have searched but didn't see this question. Here in the states, I can run my debit card but choose credit as payment type. Has anybody used their debit card as a credit card in Europe? Thanks.
No!
Kristi, as with the previous reply, NO.
Ok, maybe I shouldn't have been so cheeky. The least expensive places in Europe only take cash. You can get that with your debit card from ATM machines. If you go somewhere where they accept a credit card, you'll pay more.
I use mine all the time as a credit card here in Italy (and everywhere else I go in Europe). It's very handy. There are plenty of places here that won't take credit cards but they're becoming fewer and fewer.
I use my debit card to make small purchases (in the credit mode) as often as I can in my travels...works better in big cities. I have a Continental Airlines debit card so I like to earn miles, plus I hate handling coins and bills. In addition my debit card has a PayPass contact-less chip, so in some stores all I have to do is hold my wallet up to the reader...no pin, or signature required.
I've used it for smaller purchases. I've also used it for cash, but some European ATMs would not take it on my last trip, but I also carry a credit card that will give me cash too.