US Credit and ATM Cards

Any merchant that displays a Visa or Mastercard decal/logo has to accept your card. It's a Visa/MC requirement. The only place your American cards might not work is at unmanned, automated electronic terminals (such as self-serve gas pumps). As Michael says, all ATM's will accept your American Visa/Mastercard-branded ATM/debit cards.

All ATM machines in Europe will accept our magnetic strip cards.

"...Any merchant that displays a Visa or Mastercard decal/logo has to accept your card..." There are exceptions to this rule. In Holland Dutch Rail will only accept chip&pin cards...even at the ticket counters. Increasingly some merchants will accept magnetic strip cards but only if you know your credit card's pin number. But overall most all merchants that deal with tourists will have the hardware to process magnetic strip cards.

Bill, Regarding your credit cards, you shouldn't have any problems using these at attended pay locations, such as Hotels, restaurants, etc. One exception is the staffed ticket offices in the Netherlands. When I was in Amsterdam a few months ago, there were large signs at EACH ticket window stating that they ONLY accept "Chip & PIN" cards. Although you won't be in the Netherlands, this type of thing could also occur in other countries. You may have problems with your credit cards at automated ticket Kiosks, fuel pumps, etc. For example, the rail ticket Kiosks at Paris / CDG will ONLY accept "Chip & Pin" cards! With debit cards, your magnetic strip cards should work fine in Europe. However, it's important to remember that your travel funds must usually be in a chequing account with a four-number PIN. It's a good idea to carry a "backup" ATM card in case there are any "difficulties" with your primary card (I've had that happen). Finally, be sure to notify EACH of your card issuers that you'll be travelling in Europe, so that they don't "freeze" your cards when they notice the change of location. One important question - what is the total duration of your trip??? If you'll be in Europe longer than 90-days, you'll be in contravention of the rules of the Schengen Accord. Happy travels!

Yes, last trip we found only one place that didn't accept our regular card (more because the cashier didn't know how to process it the "old" way than they couldn't take it). In that case, we walked a block to an ATM, got cash, and came back. Most places that deal with tourists know exactly how to process our cards. I've never had an issue with any ATM.

Thanks All - I have not been over for the past 2 years but even then there was an issue with getting train tickets with a card even when there was a real person. I was just concerned this had become even worse. I do always carry 2 cards - that is a very good tip. I am going over mid April to Barcelona, wonder around up to Berritz and then back to start the Camino. I will walk the Camino again and eventually leave out of Lisbon mid June. So, I will be over for 3 months......what does that mean?
Buen Camino to All and thanks, Bill

<<So, I will be over for 3 months......what does that mean?>> Keep your stay under 90 days, or you'll have to get a Schengen visa. Without a visa, you're limited to staying in those countries a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period.

Tom is right, you are only allowed to be in the Schengen zone for 90 days in any 180 period. A few European countries are not part of the Schengen agreement, like Great Britain, but it sounds like the places you will be all are. You face stiff fines and being deported at your expense if you exceed your stay.

Tom and Douglas are right about the 90 in 180 but the terminology should be that most American tourists who visit the Schengen zone for fewer than a cumulative 90 days in any 180 do not need a written visa. Those who expect to overstay need to obtain, before travel begins, a long stay visa. Those who overstay without a written visa are illegal overstayers. Visas cannot, generally, be obtained in the country which the visa is for.

Thank You - I just counted the days I will be gone and I am under 90 with some to spare. I had no idea about this requirement but will be better informed for future trips. BuenCamino