Visa Debit Card Question in Ireland

Technically, a Visa debit card will work at any merchant that accepts a Visa credit card. But European credit/debit cards have smart chip embedded in them, and US card don't have this chip. So some merchants don't have the hardware to read our magnetic strip cards. It's generally not a big deal...most all merchants that deal with tourists will have the hardware to read magnetic strip cards, merchants that deal mostly with locals may or may not. ATMs will always accept our magnetic strip cards.

Another issue, it's usually not a good idea to use a debit card to rent a car. When you rent the car a hold of a few hundred dollars will be placed on the funds in your checking account until you return the car. Sometimes that hold is not released right away, it may take a couple of days. Unless you have a lot of money in your account you could run into some cash flow problems. When you use a regular credit card that hold is placed on your credit limit. Same deal with hotels and debit cards.

I agree with Michael about NOT using your debit/credit card for large expenses. Once I had a shop in London place a hold on my debit account not once but three times in a row. Net result? The card was cut off by BOA and I had no more access to cash.
Of course at that time, I only carried one debit card, an error I immediately corrected.

Luckily it was near the end of my stay and I was staying with friends and I did have an AMEX for charges...just not cash.

Now my BOA debit Visa also works as a charge card.It does not say pulse on the back..check with your bank
but call the credit card customer service; don't ask the people on the bank floor who may not give you accurate information.

And always carry several cards!!! And always call the bank before you leave to let them know where you will be traveling.Be sure to copy the international customer service number and carry it separately from your cards in case you need to contact your bank(s).

Thank you so much both of you. This has been a real learning experience (about Ireland & MY BANK)!!!! It appears that my particular bank has cut-off use of debit cards in Europe - they said because of fraud. So...I have applied for a credit card (just hope it arrives in time!!!!!) I leave in a few weeks. I need to send a deposit to an art workshop in Achill, Ireland. As well as rent a car etc. Don't know what to do except carry cash over there. But will the car rental take cash or travelers checks??? And I don't know how to send a deposit to the workshop!!! SOS any information to help would be greatly appreciated. This is my first time to travel to Europe...

Gail....head to another bank to open another account for cash withdrawals from a new debit/ATM card...they should be able to set it up pretty quickly for you. The card must have the PLUS or CIRRUS logo on the back to work in Europe. And call your current bank and tell them you're VERY disappointed they've cut off withdrawals from Europe...that you might have to change your bank!

thanks so much. I am disappointed with my current bank for not handling Visa Debit Cards in Ireland. I have been down at the beach (St. Petersburg, FL) for 4th of July Celebrations...now that I am back I plan on going to a different bank on Monday morning. Great recommendation!!!! Probably will checkout Bank of America or Suntrust... thanks again for information :)

Gail, BofA will ding you with tons of fees in Ireland. I'd check SunTrust or better yet.. a credit union! My CU waived fees on the debit card ATM withdraw.

For the rental car, hotels, or big items, use a credit card.

For food/meals, use your ATM/debit card, or better yet, just pay cash so you can keep track of how much you spent.

Meals in Dublin run 8-12 euros a person at the pub (5 euros at Subway/McDonalds), and dinner is about 15 -21 euros.