Because of potential problems with debit cards (all of your money can be stolen, for example), our ATM cards are "plain vanilla," strictly for cash withdrawals, with no "credit card" functions. However, my wife noted in Rick's books on Italy that he consistently refers to debit cards and so she's asked me to find out if our plain ATM card will work in Italy. Does anyone have an answer?
Mike
Don't know what you mean by plain vanilla -- but it has to work on either the Plus or Cirrus networks. Star, for example, does not work in Europe.
Thanks for the quick answers. To Frank, what I mean by plain vanilla is that our ATM's can only be used to withdraw cash from an ATM machine. They do not have credit card functions and so can not be used to pay for purchases at stores, restaurants, etc. A true debit card can be used like a credit card, which can be dangerous as all your funds can be removed by theft. Should a similar thing happen with a credit card, your liability is severely limited. With a debit card, it's 100%.
Mike
Mike,
Yes, an ATM card will work fine as long as you can access the network.
ATM's are easy to use and plentiful. Here's some more thoughts on ATM's in Italy: CLICK HERE
You should ask your bank, surely they can tell you; I suspect that it will work, but it would be a good idea to make sure.
Mike,
A few thoughts based on my experiences....
I've found that even IF an ATM card has the Cirrus or Plus symbols, they probably won't work for debit purchases in Europe. In the past my cards wouldn't even work for debit purchases in the U.S., but this may have changed? You might check with your financial institution to see if they have any information on this (you didn't specify which "plain vanilla" cards you're using, so it's hard to offer more specific advice).
One way to limit your liability (RE: credit cards vs. debit cards) would be the only place limited funds in the account accessed by the debit card. Pre-arrange with your Bank or someone at home to transfer funds as required, perhaps via E-mail or a short phone call.
One new feature that I'm not sure of is whether the newer "chip" debit cards will work in Europe? I don't have a "chip" debit card yet, so won't be able to try it on my next trip. However the "chip" credit cards will apparently work, and I will be trying that in a few weeks.
Cards with the Plus / Cirrus symbols should work fine for cash withdrawals at ATM's. Note that your funds must be in a chequing account, using a four-number PIN. Again, it would be good to check with your financial institution to verify this, and also to perhaps review your daily withdrawal limits (since these will now have to accommodate currency conversion fees).
Hopefully this helps with your question?
Happy travels!
I've always understood that you need either the Plus or Cirrus logo on the back of your card to make it work in Europe. Plus is the logo owned by Visa. Cirrus is the logo owned by Mastercard. Yes that does put credit card capabilities on your card. If it has only a Star logo on it, I don't think it will work in Europe. Check with your bank or credit union to be sure.
Mike,
With all the misunderstandings being posted I feel I must expand my comments. I type with two fingers so I am usually brief.
I have an ATM card, not a debit card not a credit card. It has a Plus logo on the back. It has worked in several hundred bancomats in Italy.
I carry it for much the same reasons you mention. It can only be used with a PIN at an ATM. It cannot be used at a merchant or on line.
You guys are great. Thanks for all the thoughtful information and advice. I believe I can assuage my wife's anxieties...at least about ATM cards!
Mike
Mike, it is a good practice to have two debit cards tied to two different account. About ten years ago on our first trip when we were totally dependent on a debit card for cash, I had allowed us to get low on cash. And, of course, the ATM would not work and I have some trouble getting the card returned. Near panic set in. Fortunately it worked at the next ATM and no further problems. Since then we carry two cards, and try to use ATMs attached to bank during business hours. BUT, in all the years since then we have never had an ATM that would not work. But I still carry two cards.
Something else to think about is fees. I went to my bank to increase my limit for purchases, withdrawls limits and let them know I will be in europe for vaction for certain dates. Your card may get denied if you dont let them know this as they may think of fraudlent actions. When asked about fees, they told me that there will be $1 fee for every purchase and $1 fee for every foreign withdrawl then added woth Italy's bank fees too. Lots to think about....
There are NEVER any Italian bank or any other bank fees in Europe. If they told you that they either lied or more likely, just didn't know.
Wait, wait, wait. A debit card won't work with the Star logo on the back? My WaMu debit card worked great back in 2005 in every European country we went to. I guess things have changed since then? I just called WaMu (er, I mean Chase) today to notify them I'd be spending abroad and they reassured me that the debit card would work over there. But now after reading some of these posts, should I assume that it won't work? It's a gold debit card with the Mastercard logo on the back right above the Star logo. I've used it at merchants and online with no trouble at all.
I guess I need to do a forum search and read up on this some more....
This is the link with the info I've been going on:
Mike,
ATM or Debit, It's all about the networks the card works with. Debit cards usually have a Visa or Mastercard logo on them, which makes them functional at virtually every ATM in Europe.
If you use just an ATM card, it depends on the network logos that are printed on the card. Some networks are big and give you lots of options, others don't. Your bank should be able to provide a list of ATMs you can use or you can probably get that information online.
I prefer a debit card but keep it secure in my moneybelt. I only use it to get cash. My travel purchases are made with either cash or a credit card.
Vanessa, you have it backwards. Many cards will have multi logos on the back and will work on multi networks. While you will not find a STAR network in Europe you card will work on the Mastercard network. You could have a problem if your card only worked on a single network and that network is not available in Europe. STAR is such a network, available only in N America, and often is the sole network for some credit unions.
Just got back from Italy on Sunday. We also have a plain vanilla ATM card. Can only be used for withdrawing money from ATM. Used it last year while in Tuscany and Umbria - no problem. Used it this time in CT and Siena and no problems. The only important thing to know is that you need to have a 4 digit numbered pin - no letters. So if you don't have that get it changed before you leave. And the ATM's are pretty much all over. Shouldn't be a problem.
I think Bobbi, having just been in Italy and using a plain vanilla ATM card successfully, pretty much settles the question for me. Again, thanks to all of you for giving your insights. It's very much appreciated.
Mike, I concur with what the others have said about the network and checking with your bank.
As an example, the ATM card for my credit union does NOT work overseas. In order to withdraw money from my credit union account, I had to get a Visa debit card from the credit union. I suspect this had to do with the network.
Make sure to notify your bank that you will be using the card overseas. I was travelling with a friend once who was unable to use her card the first three days of the trip because she had not notified the bank and they had a block on overseas transactions.
