Visa Debit Card

You won't have any problems using it at ATM machines for cash. But point-of-sale transactions can sometimes be a problem. Some supermarkets and gas stations will only accept European cards with smart chips. But other merchants that mostly deal with tourists will typically accept US magnetic strip cards. But, never use a debit card to rent a car, or for a hotel. These types of transactions will put a hold on the funds in your checking account for a couple hundred dollars; so you could run into some cash flow problems. When you use a regular credit card the hold is only placed on your credit limit.

I have used our VISA credit union debit card in Italy without problem. I imagine you will have no difficulty. tTings to remember. Let your credit union know that you will overseas so they won't flag your account for possible fraudualent activity when the overseas transactions come in (also your credit card issuers as well). In addition, you might want to check your daily limit for withdrawals and decide if it will be adequate. If you decide you'll need a higher daily limit because of the exchange rate or to get more cash for rentals, then just ask your credit union to raise yours while you are gone.

I use a Visa Debit Card all the time in Europe. The 4 digit pin is a must and it MUST be linked to a checking NOT savings account. Gas stations ask for zipcodes for fraud prevention. Bank ATM machines will want your 4 digit pin. Call your credit union ahead of time (and Visa) to give them your travel time frame. If they suspect fraud they call your home phone...not very useful if you are overseas. Also, be sure to take out large amounts of cash vs. dribs and drabs. There is a fee each time you use the ATM. That said, it's small change considering the overall cost of your trip. Please also carry a second ATM card linked to a different account. Open one if necessary, plunk money into it, and close it upon return. Many banks will do this for you free of charge when you explain that you just want an emergency ATM (we use one exclusively for travel that is NOT linked to any of our normal accounts - hacker protection). This would be an emergency cash reserve. Keep this ATM card separate (I leave mine in my luggage inside a trashy novel).

One thing to keep in mind - your 4 digit pin can't start with a 0. If it does, change it before you go.

My four digit PIN does start with a 0 and I have never had a problem anywhere. I haven't used it for purchases in other countries, but I have used it in ATMs in the UK, Ireland, Spain, and China.

As as aside, it's not a good idea to use it at gas pumps since debit cards typically "hold" a certain amount of money until you have completed pumping your gas. If by chance this amount is more than the balance of your account it can cause you an overdraft (hopefully that wouldn't be an issue in your travel account, but it can happen). When using a debit card at a gas station, it's better to use it to pay inside instead of putting it in the pump.

Tony......Yes, it will work. Remember to tell your credit union about your planned travel before you depart and you might want to ask them to increase your daily limit which is normally set at $300/$400 because $300 is only approx 215 euros.

Personally I prefer to use the debit card at ATMs to withdraw around 300 euros and then use them to pay for fuel, admissions, and other small charges. This approach will keep the fees under control.

Regardless of the other networks your card subscribes to, the Visa logo will give you access to virtually every ATM in Europe (and they're everywhere). Your four digit pin is fine. I've heard that you can have a problem if the first digit of your pin is a zero, but I haven't experienced it personally so I don't know if it's true.

As said before be sure to let your credit union know you will be in Europe so they don't put a possible fraud hold on your card. Some financial institutions will let you adjust your daily withdrawel limit (another anti-fraud measure) to a higher amount for your trip.

Thanks to everyone. If anyone needs any questions answered or info on Europe this is the place to find it. I was worried I might have to try to find a certain type ATM but that is not the case based on the replys. Thanks again!