Credit Card in Europe
Jul 16th, 2006, 08:43 PM
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Credit Card in Europe
Hello all
In January I will be leaving for a 6 month long Berlin/Vienna German study abroad program (8 weeks in Berlin at the Goethe Institut followed by spring semester at the University of Vienna). The trip include
In January I will be leaving for a 6 month long Berlin/Vienna German study abroad program (8 weeks in Berlin at the Goethe Institut followed by spring semester at the University of Vienna). The trip includes some auxiliary travel to Prague and Budapest, and I (naturally) plan to meet some friends in London and Paris during the long time I will be living in Europe. I’ve been to many of these places before and (as you would imagine) am gleefully anticipating creating many more memories.
I’m a seasoned traveler but am wondering (because my parents usually have done most of the payment aspects of traveling for me) what the best credit card to get would be. I have a debit card that I use in the states because it is accepted just about everywhere, and therefore never bothered getting a credit card. However, I want to get a credit card that would be most advantageous to me while in Europe. And yes, I know that many places that Americans traditionally use credit cards (stores of all sizes, restaurants, etc) may not accept them in Europe. Nevertheless, when I’m planning small weekends away or shopping like a mad boy at KaDeWe (zum Beispiel!)…what would I get the most benefit from?
I was assuming an American Express card, but my dad reminded me that his Mastercard worked everywhere we needed it to work while in Germany/Prague last time around. Also, does anyone know if an American debit card would work in Europe?
I plan on soon visiting with my mom’s personal banker to talk about all of this…but I know that you travel experts can indulge me with some things that I’ve overlooked or tips.
Thanks Everyone
s some auxillery
In January I will be leaving for a 6 month long Berlin/Vienna German study abroad program (8 weeks in Berlin at the Goethe Institut followed by spring semester at the University of Vienna). The trip include
In January I will be leaving for a 6 month long Berlin/Vienna German study abroad program (8 weeks in Berlin at the Goethe Institut followed by spring semester at the University of Vienna). The trip includes some auxiliary travel to Prague and Budapest, and I (naturally) plan to meet some friends in London and Paris during the long time I will be living in Europe. I’ve been to many of these places before and (as you would imagine) am gleefully anticipating creating many more memories.
I’m a seasoned traveler but am wondering (because my parents usually have done most of the payment aspects of traveling for me) what the best credit card to get would be. I have a debit card that I use in the states because it is accepted just about everywhere, and therefore never bothered getting a credit card. However, I want to get a credit card that would be most advantageous to me while in Europe. And yes, I know that many places that Americans traditionally use credit cards (stores of all sizes, restaurants, etc) may not accept them in Europe. Nevertheless, when I’m planning small weekends away or shopping like a mad boy at KaDeWe (zum Beispiel!)…what would I get the most benefit from?
I was assuming an American Express card, but my dad reminded me that his Mastercard worked everywhere we needed it to work while in Germany/Prague last time around. Also, does anyone know if an American debit card would work in Europe?
I plan on soon visiting with my mom’s personal banker to talk about all of this…but I know that you travel experts can indulge me with some things that I’ve overlooked or tips.
Thanks Everyone
s some auxillery
Jul 16th, 2006, 08:59 PM
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I use my debit card in Europe when I have to pay cash or simply need cash and a Visa or Mastercard when I want to charge. I have my doubts about an American Express card. I don't think the AE card is as widely accepted as Visa or Mastercard.
You're right about some places in Europe not accepting credit cards. Few of the stores in Schwäbisch Hall would accept my card, so I always had to make sure I had plenty of cash.
Have fun at the Goethe Institute and at the University in Vienna. I just finished a month at the Goethe Institute in Schwäbisch Hall, and in past years I've studied at two other Goethe Institutes.
You're right about some places in Europe not accepting credit cards. Few of the stores in Schwäbisch Hall would accept my card, so I always had to make sure I had plenty of cash.
Have fun at the Goethe Institute and at the University in Vienna. I just finished a month at the Goethe Institute in Schwäbisch Hall, and in past years I've studied at two other Goethe Institutes.
Jul 17th, 2006, 12:04 AM
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During this current 2 month trip in Europe, I have once again had my Mastercard refused three times, but all those places accepted VISA. Some will say this makes no sense, but I can assure you that this is true, and those places all said they don't accept Eurocard either, but do accept VISA. And I can't tell you how many times I have seen other people's American Express Cards denied; VISA is definitely the answer.
Jul 17th, 2006, 12:43 AM
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I also had this MC vs VISA CC issue in Germany. The hotel cashier was very unhappy that I wanted to pay with the MC, and insisted that I use the VISA card. He was very clear about the reason; his bank charged more to process MC than the VISA.
Strictly speaking, you do not need a credit card. But it is much easier to travel with credit card(s). My son did a term study in Europe for 3 months with only debit cards. He always had to very sure about the balance, considering that what was put in was dollar while what was taken out was in Euro so there was alway few percentage uncertainty. If you find your self having to buy unexpected train tickets, more expensive hotel than planned, etc., it is much easier with a credit card.
I always travel with multiple credit cards. Sure, you are protected from theft or a loss (or a magnetic strip damage,) but what do you use while your new card is being issued?
There are many caveats with credit cards; this forum discusses many of these issues. Some are universal issues not related to foreign travel. Others are issues because of oversea usage such as foreign transaction fees which varies by several percentage depending on who issues the card. Also the card fraud department might block oversea usage unless they are prewarned about the oversea card usage.
Debit card has additional issues -- I found that the bank customer services are clueless. This forum discusses many such issues. If you are in Germany, BA debit card works cheaply on ubiquitous Deutschebank ATMs. However, but if you make a mistake of using it on other ATM, you will get hit with high fees. You should be happy if you can find a bank that charges only 1% fee (that Visa or MC charges the bank) and no outside network ATM machine use fee. The ATM card must be linked to a checking account (debit card.) It can ALSO linked to a savings account, but you CANNOT get money at ATM from your savings account. DO NOT BELIEVE when your bank says that an ATM card linked only to a savings account SHOULD allow you to get money from a foreign ATM machine -- it does NOT. I also recommend a second debit card from another bank. If your primary card is non functional, how else do you get cash while you are sorting out problems?
You have a good foresight to start looking into these issues with plenty of time to do something about them.
Strictly speaking, you do not need a credit card. But it is much easier to travel with credit card(s). My son did a term study in Europe for 3 months with only debit cards. He always had to very sure about the balance, considering that what was put in was dollar while what was taken out was in Euro so there was alway few percentage uncertainty. If you find your self having to buy unexpected train tickets, more expensive hotel than planned, etc., it is much easier with a credit card.
I always travel with multiple credit cards. Sure, you are protected from theft or a loss (or a magnetic strip damage,) but what do you use while your new card is being issued?
There are many caveats with credit cards; this forum discusses many of these issues. Some are universal issues not related to foreign travel. Others are issues because of oversea usage such as foreign transaction fees which varies by several percentage depending on who issues the card. Also the card fraud department might block oversea usage unless they are prewarned about the oversea card usage.
Debit card has additional issues -- I found that the bank customer services are clueless. This forum discusses many such issues. If you are in Germany, BA debit card works cheaply on ubiquitous Deutschebank ATMs. However, but if you make a mistake of using it on other ATM, you will get hit with high fees. You should be happy if you can find a bank that charges only 1% fee (that Visa or MC charges the bank) and no outside network ATM machine use fee. The ATM card must be linked to a checking account (debit card.) It can ALSO linked to a savings account, but you CANNOT get money at ATM from your savings account. DO NOT BELIEVE when your bank says that an ATM card linked only to a savings account SHOULD allow you to get money from a foreign ATM machine -- it does NOT. I also recommend a second debit card from another bank. If your primary card is non functional, how else do you get cash while you are sorting out problems?
You have a good foresight to start looking into these issues with plenty of time to do something about them.
Jul 17th, 2006, 01:01 AM
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Oh, also, if you do get multiple debit card or credit cards, don't cary them in the same wallet: one in wallet, one in your residence; one in wallet, another in money belt, etc. You do not want to lose all the cards all at once.
Jul 17th, 2006, 01:46 AM
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What you need is an Austrian/German Bank account and a Maestro/EC card. Thhis will be accepted everywhere you go in those 2 countries. http://www.easybank.at/easybank/produkte/nav.html
Credit cards aren't needed
Credit cards aren't needed
Jul 17th, 2006, 10:21 AM
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Visa is the most widely acccepted credit card in euope. Master Card (I think calld eurocard or something there is next). AMEX is widely accepted in more upscale hotels, shops and restaurants but less likely to be accepted in budget/modest places.
Jul 17th, 2006, 11:45 AM
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I've done fine with a Visa card plus a debit card that has a Visa thingie on it [sorry, don't know the technical term]. I have an AmEx Blue card that I take also as a backup; my hotel took AmEx so I charged that on that card. It is certainly true that Visa is accepted more places than AmEx.
Definitely find out if the the credit card company will charge a foreign transaction fee. The issuer of my Visa didn't on my last trip two years ago, but when I got my bill after my trip two months ago, there was the unpleasant surprise of a 1% fee on every charge I made. No doubt notification of the fee was buried in the fine print in one of those brochures I got somewhere along the way. Had I known I probably would have withdrawn more from the ATM and paid cash more often.
And do call the credit card company and let them know you're traveling, as another poster mentions.
Definitely find out if the the credit card company will charge a foreign transaction fee. The issuer of my Visa didn't on my last trip two years ago, but when I got my bill after my trip two months ago, there was the unpleasant surprise of a 1% fee on every charge I made. No doubt notification of the fee was buried in the fine print in one of those brochures I got somewhere along the way. Had I known I probably would have withdrawn more from the ATM and paid cash more often.
And do call the credit card company and let them know you're traveling, as another poster mentions.
Jul 17th, 2006, 12:29 PM
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I would also recommend the simplicity of a Visa card. And as to the "transaction fees" the Capital One Visa card does not charge those..however, there have been reports (here and elsewhere) that Capital One may be making up for that by giving a slightly poorer exchange rate).
Jul 17th, 2006, 01:32 PM
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As you have seen if you searched at all on this board, there are nigh on to infinite opinions and nearly as many anecdotes. Consistent with my most recent travel in Europe (last month) here's my best shot at summarizing:
1. Credit cards
AmEx - least likely to be accepted
MC - much better than AmEx, but still some places don't accept
VISA - most places that accept credit cards accept VISA
In mostly all except really rural areas CC are accepted.
2. Fees
vary widely and not all cards - even with the same MC or Visa logo - are the same. The issuing institution can (and increasingly often, does) tack on additional fees above and beyond what the MC or VISA network apply. Best deals are usually through a credit union rather than a bank. Rules for joining a credit union have been relaxed and you probably qualify for several - check it out.
3. Debit cards
with a logo (MC or VISA) from the US will not work in machines that are designed to acccept cards with an embedded chip. That is an issue if you try to use self serve kiosks at train stations, etc. In retail point of sale situations they may not work in the card reader, but the clerk can usually type in the number and it works. Same things about fees apply as with CC.
1. Credit cards
AmEx - least likely to be accepted
MC - much better than AmEx, but still some places don't accept
VISA - most places that accept credit cards accept VISA
In mostly all except really rural areas CC are accepted.
2. Fees
vary widely and not all cards - even with the same MC or Visa logo - are the same. The issuing institution can (and increasingly often, does) tack on additional fees above and beyond what the MC or VISA network apply. Best deals are usually through a credit union rather than a bank. Rules for joining a credit union have been relaxed and you probably qualify for several - check it out.
3. Debit cards
with a logo (MC or VISA) from the US will not work in machines that are designed to acccept cards with an embedded chip. That is an issue if you try to use self serve kiosks at train stations, etc. In retail point of sale situations they may not work in the card reader, but the clerk can usually type in the number and it works. Same things about fees apply as with CC.
Jul 18th, 2006, 05:49 AM
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If you're using debit cards or credit cards (of any variety) in UK, you may be asked for four-digit PIN in lieu of signature. Shouldn't be an issue if you have and remember one. If you don't have one, you should still be able to use the card with signature. UK government made an exception for cards issued abroad. It's in the law. Enjoy shopping/dining. We appreciate spending ur $ here. 
Jul 21st, 2006, 07:25 AM
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Thank you everyone SO much for responding. I really appreciate all the advice.
The reason I had initially suggested an American Express is because I tend to do a lot of high end shopping in the United States (Neiman Marcus, etc) and my summer job this year (the oh so fabulous Costco..haha) only accepts American Express. Also, I imagined if I splurged on something it would be more beneficial to have an American Express card than to be caught in a situation where I cannot pay for something. (But if I can withdraw cash then who cares, right?)
I will DEFINETELY look into getting a German/Austrian MAESTRO/EC card and checking account, as well as a VISA credit card. This sounds like the way to go, and I wouldn't have known where to turn without your help! I am there long enough where it makes sense to just have the MAESTRO card for small purchases, etc. and for larger ones (booking hotels, buying expensive goods) using a Visa, and this way I don't have to worry about fees.
And yes, thanks again for reminding me to notify my credit card company that I am going overseas! haha.
I can also attest to the Visa/Mastercard debate, albeit in a slightly different way. Throughout Iceland and Germany my dad and Uncle's credit cards worked fine at all ATMS, etc. However, in Prague, my dad's Mastercard (as oppose to my Uncle's VISA) would not work in any ATM throughout the city.
I will read through all of your responses again more detailed and print them all out!
One more question, though...as part of the program, you get back 20 euro a day back for "food, etc" Now, I've heard everything from "you're totally *****ed" to "oh i would have money leftover" Obviousely I'm not going to Demels every night, but I don't want to spend much of my own additional money on essentials such as this.
One other question...can anyone recommend a fabulous hair salon in Berlin/Vienna? I've read about a few in guide books but, well, I trust someone who's been there and has a personal experience MUCH more!
The reason I had initially suggested an American Express is because I tend to do a lot of high end shopping in the United States (Neiman Marcus, etc) and my summer job this year (the oh so fabulous Costco..haha) only accepts American Express. Also, I imagined if I splurged on something it would be more beneficial to have an American Express card than to be caught in a situation where I cannot pay for something. (But if I can withdraw cash then who cares, right?)
I will DEFINETELY look into getting a German/Austrian MAESTRO/EC card and checking account, as well as a VISA credit card. This sounds like the way to go, and I wouldn't have known where to turn without your help! I am there long enough where it makes sense to just have the MAESTRO card for small purchases, etc. and for larger ones (booking hotels, buying expensive goods) using a Visa, and this way I don't have to worry about fees.
And yes, thanks again for reminding me to notify my credit card company that I am going overseas! haha.
I can also attest to the Visa/Mastercard debate, albeit in a slightly different way. Throughout Iceland and Germany my dad and Uncle's credit cards worked fine at all ATMS, etc. However, in Prague, my dad's Mastercard (as oppose to my Uncle's VISA) would not work in any ATM throughout the city.
I will read through all of your responses again more detailed and print them all out!
One more question, though...as part of the program, you get back 20 euro a day back for "food, etc" Now, I've heard everything from "you're totally *****ed" to "oh i would have money leftover" Obviousely I'm not going to Demels every night, but I don't want to spend much of my own additional money on essentials such as this.
One other question...can anyone recommend a fabulous hair salon in Berlin/Vienna? I've read about a few in guide books but, well, I trust someone who's been there and has a personal experience MUCH more!
