We will be traveling in Provence in May/June and wonder how difficult it will be to get cash or pay with credit cards from the USA? Can one get a European card?
Posted by
Seattle, WA, US
1005 posts
Use your DEBIT card to make cash withdrawls from ATMs. If your DEBIT card has a Visa or Mastercard logo, it should work in all ATMs. If you are not driving, you should be fine using your US credit card for transactions in Provence. It's a good idea to know your credit card's PIN number (yes, it has oneask your bank if you don't know it), since some sales clerks may ask you to enter your credit card PIN rather than sign a receipt. At train stations, you can use your US credit card at the ticket windows, but not in the automated ticket machines. If you are driving, you need to be sure to have enough cash for the tolls on the autoroute, since your US credit card may not work at the toll booth machines. And if you need gas in rural areas or on Sunday, you may find the automated gas pumps won't take US credit cards. Fill up in advance or search the Helpline for advice getting a chip-and-PIN credit card, which is now available from several banks and credit unions in the US.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
As T. says, get cash from ATMs using a debit card linked to your checking account. Be sure to notify your debit card and credit card providers that you will be in Europe. If you don't, your cards may be blocked for unusual and therefore suspected fraudulent activity. Read this helpful article by Rick Steves.