Prhibited Debit card use in Greece? My bank tells me it's prohibited

Are you sure that they don't allow ATM use? There are some banks that block debit card purchases but still allow ATM transactions. You may want to find another bank. Although I haven't been to Greece recently, I have used an ATM card in countries in the Balkans (e.g. Croatia). I've been happy with USAA (1% foreign transaction fee).

Call the Customer Service number on your Debit Card and ask. I seriously doubt that things have changed in Greece since my visit last year. One of the debit cards I use is part of the Plus system and it worked fine. It sounds to me like someone is misinformed and passed that misinformation on to you.

I thought she was misinformed as well, but it's posted on their website as a link from "government sanctioned countries prohibiting use of debit cards." I also specifically asked her if it's only prohibited for purchases (which I'd use my Chase Sapphire for anyway) or also ATM withdrawls, and was told it would be blocked, and all are blocked -- which is what I find hard to believe.
My other concern/question is since we don't have the EMV cip and pin technology on our credit and ATM cards, are they going through OK when trying to get cash at an ATM? It's been since 2000 since I was in Greece and didn't have any issues, and would think with the Olympics there relatively recently, they have this figured out.

Chip & pin has nothing to do with ATMs. It's possible that your bank blocks use of any kind of its card in those countries. I've heard of that before, but it is rare. You'll need a different bank checking account. A search here will lead you to many threads with recommendations, most with very low ATM fees. Most can be opened and operated online.

Lisa, yr bank is HIGHLY unusual; pls name it so we could warn others! in 10 trips to Greece since '99 I hv used ATMa with PLUS system NO problem. You need to open an account elsewhere JUST for this trip, w a good bank w. lo fees. This FAB website shows costs for MANY banks for cash transactions http://www.flyerguide.com/wiki/index.php/Credit/Debit/ATM_Cards_and_Foreign_Exchange#Schedule_of_Foreign_Transaction_Fees_By_Bank_for_Debit_and_Credit_Cards easy way to decide is, figure cost for getting $300 cash. Most major natl banks like Bank of Am, Wells Fargo etc, charge 3% + $5 = $14. Too much! Unless you are leaving in 10 days, there are many options. R U a U Wis Grad? Their credit union fees are LOW; Cheap! Cheapest ONline banks = capitol One, state farm. Telephone, find out, Act! NOTE: For ANY account be sure to notify u will be using ATM in EUROPE, or yr account will be locked when u try also, you can ask that yr withdrawl limit can be raised, so u need to use ATM much less often.

If you have time before your trip, for a minimum of $1000 you can open a Charles Schwab brokerage account which comes with a free interest-bearing checking account and debit card. This is what I did. Once the account is opened you can transfer the money from the brokerage account to the checking account and access it by using the debit card with NO TRANSACTION FEES. Schwab allows you to transfer money between their accounts and accounts in outside banks for free. You can do it all online.

Thanks everyone... I'm already looking into using my brokerage account and using a ATM card through it. I want to prove my bank wrong and do a withdrawl while there to show them! The bank is local - North Shore Bank in Wisconsin/Milwaukee, and I went around with them on the phone again today andthey sent me to tue US Trasury website of government sanctioned countries, which I challenged them more on... wasting my time. She did say if "it's a US approved ATM machine" that it might work whatever. I leave on 8/30, so I have enough time to get something else opened, and am planning on bringing some cash in euros with me from a friend that works at BMO Harris and can get the currency without it being a ripoff.
Thenaks for the the info and links posted ... I'm definitely looking into the best way to get cash with the lowest fees.

"Government-sanctioned countries" refers to places like Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Sudan, etc. Greece is NOT one of these countries. Greece is an ally of the US and a member of NATO. As a matter of fact, given Greece's current economic problems, you can be sure they will do nothing to discourage American tourism.

Lisa - One of the small Credit Unions I used to belong to would not allow ATM withdrawals in countries that they considered having a higher probablility of fraud - at the time they said I couldn't use their card in the Balkans, specifically Poland, Croatia and Greece. Some of the employees thought no card from any bank could be used there, but experienced employees knew it was just their institution's policy. I have used cards from other banks and credit unions successfully in Greece and several other countries many times.

Lisa, In my experience, it's important to differentiate between ATM use and Debit Card use (ie: POS transactions). I've never heard of ANY cards being "probibited" from making ATM withdrawals in Greece, and I never had any problems with that on my last visit there. You most likely WON'T be able to use your card for "normal debit card from my checking account" transactions in Greece or many other locations in Europe. Regarding ATM cards, note that your travel funds must usually be in a chequing account with a four-number PIN. I would highly recommend taking a second ATM card on a different account, in case of any problems with your primary card. Also, don't forget to notify each of your card issuers that you'll be travelling. Yes, your older magnetic stripe cards should still work in Greece (or elsewhere) for ATM withdrawals. "Chip & PIN" credit cards are more often required to access automated ticket machines, fuel pumps, etc. in some countries. I'm not sure how far along Greece is with the conversion to the C&P technology? In some countries (ie: Netherlands), a C&P card is required even at staffed ticket windows. Happy travels!