Using a debit card in Europe

Doesn't need a chip,, but should have some symbols on back showing which networks it will work on,, Plus or Cirrus are two I can think of, off the top of my head .

I have a credit union debit card with a Visa logo. I had no trouble using it anywhere I went, including France. I didn't go to Switzerland, but I can't imagine it would be any different.

My card is also from a small local credit union. I've had no problems anywhere in Europe, China, or Costa Rica. It's also Visa branded and connected with the regular networks - Cirrus, Star, etc. You do need to inform your credit union when and where you will be traveling before you go so that they don't deny charges thinking your card has been stolen.

Sherry, as long as you inform your credit union of your travels, you won't have any problems. I've used my one branch credit union debit card all around the world with no problems.

Finance expert Clark Howard, is a travel expert as well. He only uses credit unions. He hates the, "Giant Monster Mega Banks", as he puts it. He travels Europe every year and uses his debit card from his credit union. He has a travel session at www.clarkhoward.com.
I bet Clark and Rick like each other! They are both great guys for travel and money advice!

Sherry,

You might ask the staff at your Credit Union about travelling with the debit card. If it has the Plus or Cirrus logos, it should work fine at ATM's (but not for direct purchases).

I've used my credit card ATM card in various countries in Europe and it's worked fine for the most part, except for this year when there was some kind of a "problem". That was a good reminder on the value of taking a backup card!!!

Also, be sure to notify your credit union that you'll be travelling in Europe, so they don't "freeze" the account when they see card activity outside your normal area.

Finally, be sure that your travel funds are in a chequing account, accessed by a four number PIN.

Happy travels!

In addition to the ones mentioned above Maestro debit cards also work well in Europe. You'll find the logos of the accepted payment services on every ATM over here. Some accept them all, others only accept VISA Eletron or Maestro etc etc...

Before a recent trip to London I called my local credit union to let them know I'd be out of the country. They told me they didn't make notes on those kinds of things and that I should just purchase something at the airport so they could "see" that I was traveling...um ok. Guess their plan worked, I didn't have any problems.

Sherry - you might also ask your credit union what your daily limit is for cash withdrawals. On most of my trips, the small hotels either require cash or prefer it, so I ask my credit union to temporarily raise my daily limit, just in case. I've never had a problem.

Thanks to all -- I spent a glorious 10 days in Europe, used my debit card with no problems! (Once I tried to use my credit card but the cafe only accepted one if my bill was over 30 Swiss francs....so in the end, it saved me money!) I'm not sure how to close this conversation out, but I am now an experienced debit card user and it is really great! Just a note that the fees are very small so it is really one of the best ways to pay for purchases in Europe. Thanks again.