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?

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

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"

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.

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

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.

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.

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."

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.

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