I know credit cards are used throughout Iceland but what about US debit cards - are they accepted at hostels, parking, gas stations, restaurants, etc.?
Posted by
Duluth 🛶
8586 posts
You should be able to use them most places, but I'm not sure why you would want to. Credit cards are generally safer than debit cards when used overseas. They offer better fraud protection, and you can dispute unauthorized charges. Plus credit cards can offer travel insurance and purchase protection. My Chase Sapphire card offers great travel insurance for most of my travel expenses, which is invaluable.
I saw your other thread about hostels. Is this information for your grandson? Does he not have access to a credit card? As I said, it is doable, but he really would be safer using a credit card if there is one.
Posted by
London
1402 posts
The majority of Europeans use debit cards certainly. If they are facilitated by one of the big providers like Visa or Mastercard they should work just the same as a credit card. There may be a contactless limit, but US card security measures may be a bit more lax?
I haven't had a credit card since my early 20's. I prefer to spend money I've got in the bank rather than someone else's.
Posted by
Snohomish, WA
2867 posts
Yes, debit cards are usable in all of these places. For gas though, make sure you do not opt for full tank otherwise a large hold will be put on your card, roughly $200-$300 each time. Yo can avoid that by either choosing an amount before you fill or go inside to the clerk and have them do it for you manually.
We use debit cards there often, but we have travel accounts so that there are limited funds in that account in case anything happens. I do a mix of debit/credit on our trips there.
Parking is almost all done on apps. A few places have paid lots where they can take cards, but apps are the most common.