Not wanting anyone to give away information.... I understand that a 4 digit PIN is required to access ATM machines in Europe. That seems to be standard info, but just now I read that the PIN cannot begin with a "0" - Anyone know?
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
Baloney.
Posted by
Massachusetts
1080 posts
My ATM/Debit card has a 4-digit PIN number that starts with zero. I have NEVER had any kind of problems using it in Europe, including all over Spain, Portugal, France, Englnd, Italy, Germany and the Czech Republic.
Posted by
OP
Vancouver, bc
17 posts
I had read that on another message board, good to hear it was wrong, thanks for replies!
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
Would love to know where you just read that? It is almost an urban legend that has a very small element of truth. In the very, very early days of ATMs the zero was reserved for some special functions so you card could not start with it. But that was quickly changed and has not been a problem for over 30 years but yet the story is often told and retold. Zeros are fine.
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19274 posts
"My ATM/Debit card has a 4-digit PIN number that starts with zero' " OK, Mary, I'll match you and raise you one. My PIN starts with "00". (You've still got 100 possibilities, even if you got my card).
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
I have two different ATM cards that start with 0 and I have used them all over the world with no problem. There is no truth to that old story.
Posted by
OP
Vancouver, bc
17 posts
Lol everyone - I had seen this urban myth through a cruise travellers website, but actually one posters own website with personal tips on travel in Europe. Consequently, there was no date attached to that information either. Looks like I jumped a bit, just a touch paranoid of any little thing that might hamper our ability to spend money in Europe :)
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
Remember, Patricia, there are two types of posters on most travel sites. Those who post what they knew from experiences and those that post what they think they know because they have read two guides, lots of web sites, and think they know the answers. Sometimes it is not easy to spot the difference.
Posted by
San Francisco
4 posts
Hello - Along the lines of this thread...do you all recommend carrying smaller amounts of cash and using ATMs as needed vs. getting cash or trav cheques before leaving the U.S.? It's been a long time since I went to Europe and not sure what is best/most convenient now. Thanks for any tips!
Posted by
Baltimore, Maryland, USA
353 posts
Just use ATMs. The world is set up for that now. You'll find them in the arrivals halls of airports and the vast majority of trains stations, plus every other street corner in major cities. I always bring some US cash just in case the airport ATMs are all out of service when I arrive (and plan to exchange at the airport), but that's because I worry too much. I've never had to use the dollars.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
T Checks are nearly worthless. And getting foreign currency in the US before departure is expensive - will pay from 5 to 10% in fees and poor exchange rate. ATMs are the proven and smart way to go. We always carry a second card tied to a different account as back up but have never had to use it. I always use both cards within the first couple of days on the ground just to be sure both are working.
Posted by
St. Louis, MO USA
1976 posts
I like to arrive in a country with a certain amount of local currency (100 euros, for example, which I get from my bank). I agree that the exchange rate at banks is pretty bad but I like having some cash on hand so I don't have to look for an ATM immediately. When my cash goes down, I use ATMs to get more and I have a Capital One credit card which has no international fees.