As long as it has a visa/mc logo on it, you can use it just like a credit card. Also note that your pin numbers need to be 4 digits (and no letters - just numbers).

There is a problem with debit cards you should be aware of.

Recently I completed a trip to Amsterdam, Paris and London. I pay eveything no matter how small or large with my credit cards. Unlike some people, I have no problem with buying a single ticket on the Paris Metro with a credit card where the minimum for using the machine is 1 euro.

Somehow on the trip, my cc number was compromised. Most likely it occurred in a restaurant where some waiter memorized the number, expiration date and "security" number on the signature panel.

Lo and behold when I returned and checked the web site of the credit card company and found $8,500 in pending charges. I called the bank and was told my credit card had been used on 4 occassions to charge at least $2,000 on some catalogue company in France. Of course where the credit card company was when this was going on, I don't know.

The point is, since I had the card in muy possession, they immediately credited my account and dealing with the crooked merchant is their problem. But if it had been a debit card, getting my money back would have been more of a hassle. And the money would be out of my account for a while perhaps causing cheques I write to turn to rubber etc.

Just some thoughts of the pitfalls and the fact that no matter what you do, compromising your credit card number is not the slightest problem to the wretched pieces of garbage who inhabit this world and the people who assist them.

If you're using the debit card as an ATM card there shouldn't be any problem. BUT - I live in Germany and can't use my debit card as a debit card because it is drawn on an american bank. Use a credit card (I'm sure you'll have no trouble getting one if you don't have one), or cash drawn from an ATM with your debit card for purchases.

Hi

There can be problems with automatic gas stations refusing to accept foreign cards.
They will be accepted by the cashier in manned stations, though.


Peter
http://tlp.netfirms.com

Well, you might, but it should work most of the time in an ATM if it has a common network affiliation (like PLUS). I've had problems with my debit card working in ATMs in France about 25 pct of the time, probably.