Has anyone had any problems using their ATM card in Vienna? I am leaving in a couple of days and am beginning to feel a little nervous about relying on ATM's for cash. Should i take travellers' checks? Also, does anyone know if you can buy Swarovski crystal at cheaper prices than here in the states? Thank you.
ATM's in Vienna
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You probably won't have any problems with your card, but it's always a good idea to have another way to get money, like travelers checks, a different ATM card or cash.
Since the dollar is so strong now, you'll get good deals on whatever you buy.
I had no trouble with the ATMs in Vienna when I was there in August, and neither did the friend I traveled with. They were everywhere and easy to use. I called the bank before I left, just because I read that it was recommended to do that - don't know if it made a difference. We didn't take any travellers' checks - just our ATMs and credit cards. And I was very pleasantly surprised with the exchange rate when I got my bank statements and credit card bills. Things turned out to be very reasonable. I would recommend getting a little bit of Austrian cash before you leave the US - it might make you more comfortable.
I had an experience with ATMs in Vienna that were very similar to the above descriptions. My standard approach is to use a check card (debit card) for the ATMs, carry two credit cards of different issues, and a few travelers checks in US $$ just in case. Some of my checks have now made two trips to Europe because they are rarely used.
The two credit cards idea paid off once in a little cafe in Paris. My normal card would not satisfy the waiter, but the other one did. He spoke about as much English as I did French, so I never understood the problem.
My fist attempt to use my ATM card in Europe was the summer of '98 in Vienna. I had certain trepidations... like I wouldn't be able to read the screen... that the machine would swallow my card [which was also a debit visa card] etc...
Irony of ironies. The attempt was a failure. Sheeesh I thought... then I heard on the BBC news that the satellite had been out to the states!
Since then I have had no problem at all with using my ATM card in Europe. But that was an inauspicious beginning!
Hi Kathy!
Another vote for using ATM's...never have had a problem anywhere in the world. Just don't use a moneyclip as it will de-magnitize the card! As for the crystal, it won't necessarily be cheaper, but you may find pieces that you have not seen in the States. I recommend buying loden clothing in Vienna. It is 3 times as much in the States and not nearly the variety.
Speaking of Loden, do you know of any stores (maybe with web sites) for loden coats? I'm going to be in Vienna next month and might replace my present coat.
Thanks!
Hi Kathy; We just returned from Europe about a month ago,(Germany,Austria,Czech Republic) We used VISA debit card with out any problem. Good advice above.
We looked a Swarovski Crystal. It did not appear to us that it was any cheaper there. In Salzburg, the store used a standard price list which wasn't any bargain. Enjoy your trip....Paul J
Kathy,
ATMs are everywhere; you'll even find one in Schonbrunn Palace. Instructions are in multiple languages including English.
Marc,
There's a Loden retail outlet at Michaelerplatz diagonally across from the entrance to the Alte Hofburg.
Fodors
I've had no problems. If I found any I'd take the self-same card inside the banki, with my passport, and draw money over the counter.
I take it you've a 4-digit PIN code ?
If you're relying on cards you need two, in case one is lost or stolen, or develops a computer glitch.
ATMs are all over: they are listed on two sites.
Visa and Visa Plus: Information on ATM outlets country by country
http://www.visa.com/pd/atm/
MasterCard and Cirrus: ATM network information for this payment system. http://mastercard.com/atm/
Please write if I can help further. Welcome to Europe.
Ben Haines, London
Marc,
The store that Wes Fowler mentioned has a nice selection but I found their entire staff to be very unhelpful so getting a proper size was difficult. I bought my Loden coat at a store on Karntner Strasse diagonally across from the Hotel Sacher. Sorry, don't think they have a web site! It looks like they sell only touristy souveniers in the windows (ceramic statues, plates with pictures, etc.) but if you go downstairs, you will find an amazing selection and their staff is great. They were bringing things out that had just arrived for me once they understood what I wanted.
Vienna is the only city I've been to in Europe, Mexico or Canda where I could not use my US-bank ATM card, not once. It never worked in Vienna, and I tried a variety of machines. I got the same message, something like "card not authorized for international use" or something. That was not true, as I easily used it in France and elsewhere in Europe on the same trip. Mine was just a hometown bank's ATM card, not a VISA debit card. It did not use the Cirrus system, I think people who have that seem to have better experience; I think my card says it is good on the Plus or Honor systems, and the Vienna ATMs I tried claimed they had those systems, but it never worked in Vienna. If your card works, you are in luck because as my BAD luck would have it, Vienna is the worst city I've ever been in for exchange rates of TCs. I have never seen the kind of ripoff you get there, it is outrageous; banks routinely charge a fee with the bad rate that ends up losing you about 10 pct of the amount, it is really bad. The best place in town to exchange TCs if you must, I will tell you as I searched so I know, is the Am. Express office; their rates were a little better thank the banks and they do not charge a fee, either (at least not for AmEx TCs, which I had). I would never go anywhere with only an ATM card unless I had been to that country before and knew my card worked, but I am very risk averse and I've had my ATM card not work both in France (temporarily and arbitrarily) and Vienna (never). But if you are willing to risk it and for some reason you and I are the only people in the world whose ATM cards don't work in Vienna, you will be able to get cash with a VISA card, it just costs you a fortune with the fees and interest.