My friend in France keeps telling me I won't be able to use my ATM card in Paris. True?

Absolutely false! Just be sure your card is linked to a checking account (not a savings account) and has a 4-digit PIN. Notify your ATM card provider(s) and your credit card providers(s) when you will be in Europe. If you don't, some computer may freeze your card for what it recognizes as unusual--and therefore possibly fraudulent--use.

I've never had any problems with either of my ATM cards. Your friend may have been thinking of the chip problem in unattended gas stations, toll booths and ticket dispensing machines. If you credit card does not have a chip, an attendant must manually scan your card at gas stations etc.

Rubbish. The only problem you'll have are the fees your bank is likely to charge. Wachovia's keep going up - I need to find an alternative before the next trip!

Thanks everyone. My credit union makes you fill out a form before going overseas if you are going to use your card. I will make sure AMEX knows as well.

Thursdaysd:

Get an ATM card with B of A. You can use BNP Paribas ATM's in Paris, among other banks in other parts of Europe, without being charged a fee for a "Non B of A ATM." You still get hit with the currency conversion fee, but not the large fees for withdrawing from another ATM. Just a thought

How very odd that a person living in France could be so ill-informed about ATM use in France. Please tell him/her ATMs have been in use across borders for about 15 years now.

BTW, is your ATM card a Visa Debit card or a regular ATM card? If it's not a Visa Debit card you really should try to get one of those. A debit card can be used just about everywhere, while a regular ATM card might have more limited use. I'm not saying it can't be used at all, but there might be a few machines that won't take it.

I have had no problem having my ATM-only card accepted anywhere in Europe. I use a credit card, not a debit card, and pay it off every month. Not only do I get miles with my purchases, and a float for the month, I feel I have less exposure if the card is stolen. When Wachovia wanted to give me an ATM/debit card, I made them give me an ATM-only card.

thrusdaysd, you do make some good points about using a credit card for purchases. But for cash withdrawals I stand by my recommendation for a Visa Debit card.

Like you I used to insist on an ATM only card until just after my trip to Scandinavia and Belgium. My ATM card worked perfectly throughout Sweden, Denmark and Norway. But when I got to Belgium I tried 5 different machines and it did not work so I had to exchange US cash for €'s. Several posters on this board have reported this same problem in Belgium including our good poster NeoPatrick.

When I got home from that trip I asked the bank why my ATM card wouldn't work in Belgium. This made no sense because the ATM card did work in 3 other countries on that same trip, plus I had used in on many prior trips to Europe. They said in some countries you must have the Visa Debit card, as the regular ATM card does not work. I got the Visa Debit card and I've had no problems since.

I also learned that in case of theft or fraud you are fully covered with a Visa Debit card. There is no additional risk of a debit card over a regular ATM card. I know this because a friend of mine had the misfortune of fraud on her card and her money was refunded in full within a few days.

I've never had trouble using my ATM card in Paris and it is NOT a Visa debit card. I've never had trouble using it anywhere in Europe, actually, I don't know what that advice is about.

thursdayd - if you are using the cc to get cash (as opposed to paying for a purchase) you are not getting any float, but paying interest from the moment you get the cash, and usually at an exorbitant rate.
But in response to OP - your French friend is mistaken.

ATM's work in Paris. Credit cards work in Paris. Do call the 800 numbers on the back of your cards before you leave and tell the customer service people that you will be using your ATM/credit card in France.


The only problem I have had with my credit card in Paris is that it will not work in the Metro ticket vending machines. That's a matter of which network it is on (i.e. Star, etc.). But no worry, those machines take cash.

"thursdayd - if you are using the cc to get cash " - why would you think that? I use the ATM card to get cash from ATM machines, and the credit card for purchases.

Christina, I'm not sure if your post is directed at mine, but let me repeat: I did not say regular ATM cards do not work in Paris. I said my ATM card (non-Visa Debit) did not work in Belgium. And I am not alone in that, it has been reported by other posters. Just an FYI for anyone who plans to travel to Belguim.

thursdayd, Capital One doesn't charge a conversion fee, and you can sign up to get air miles or cash back for all your charges.

carolyn - that's why I travel with a Capital One card, and use an affinity card at home.