I just did some checking, based on the posting by the person who had just been notified that transaction in France were being denied as a result of many fraudulent transactions.
If you put a travel warning on your card, which should ALWAYS be done, the use of the card will not be affected, even if the country is blocked. Check with your issuer, but that should be the case.
And be aware that not all ATMs may work with your card. This is more of an issue in countries other than France but if you're having trouble, find a Western-connected bank ATM before you determine it doesn't work.
I take cash and solve most of the problems with ATM's. I do notify bank when traveling, just in case I run out of cash or need to charge a train ticket or airline ticket or hotel reservation over the phone.
