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-   -   Australian ATMs (https://www.fodors.com/community/australia-and-the-pacific/australian-atms-376015/)

scurry Nov 13th, 2003 08:41 AM

Australian ATMs
 

At one point in Europe, ATM PINs were limited to 4 numbers so you had to make sure you changed your American PIN beforehand so that it was short enough to be recognized.

Is this a concern in Aust/NZ?

margo_oz Nov 13th, 2003 10:46 AM

I don't know whether you comsider ita concern or not - but PINs here are only 4 numbers anywhere I've been.

sandi Nov 13th, 2003 12:37 PM

PINs are 4-digits just about everywhere except in the US where it can be up to six (6) alphas or digits.

So just change your PIN to 4 digits and your "set to go anywhere"

John71cove Nov 13th, 2003 01:33 PM

We traveled all over OZ and NZ and used our Mastercard with a 4 digit pin. No problem. In any event, notify your card issuer of your itinerary so you won't run into trouble overseas.

scurry Nov 14th, 2003 07:58 AM


Got it -- I will have to truncate it to 4 numbers for my trip down under.

FYI -- on my last trip to Europe they recognized my 6-digit PIN.

Thanks

LynnP Nov 16th, 2003 10:35 AM

Hi Scurry, this is a problem where everyone has different experiences. My Australian ATM card has a six digit pin, my Swiss ATM card has a six digit pin, my visa has a six digit pin. I have used all three with no problems in Australia, Switzerland, USA, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Austria, UK, Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong. I know that on this board others swear than you must have a four digit PIN in Europe otherwise you have problems and margo has only seen four digit PINS in Oz. I believe that all of these experiences are true. I can only think that it must depend on your bank and how they code the card. Better check with your bank.

scurry Nov 16th, 2003 09:58 PM


Thanks Lynn.

I'm thinking that I'll change it down to four just to be on the safe side for my trip down under.

It's not a bother -- any bank teller can do it for me & i'll change it back when I return home.


JenLPeter Nov 25th, 2003 04:07 PM

Make sure that the PIN you choose doesn't begin with a "0". I believe there are problems in overseas machines with PINs that start with a "0."

Heimdall Nov 25th, 2003 10:12 PM

Like LynnP said, everyone has different experiences. My ATM card PIN began with a 0, and I never had problems with it in Australia, the US, or several European countries. I have now changed the PIN, but not for that reason.

travellingteacher Nov 28th, 2003 05:48 AM

My Pin number is six digits and has a 0 and I used my ATM card in Australia with no problem.


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