I apologize for the not so bright question, but I have seen a few posts lately regarding what to take on travel that gives the best exchange rate and many of you have been saying ATM cards ... is that the same as the debit card that has the visa/MC symbol on it that most banks are giving out now-a-days?

I'm assuming most of you are suggesting to take some cash, atm card and a credit card?

Thanks in advance!

Yes - many use the terms ATM and Debit card interchangeably. There are true ATM cards w/o the visa logo but essentially both are cards that access your checking account.

Most everyone recommends taking a credit card(s) and an ATM/debit. Many also recommend taking a bit of cash ( in either €, £ or $ ) which is a good idea but w/ an ATM card that isn't absolutely necessary.

Thanks Janis! I originally thought they were the same, but I've always called them debit cards so when I saw ATM used alot on this board I started to think maybe there were two different cards.

The debit cards can be used at ATMs or at points of sales. Many people are concerned about having a card that can be used at a merchant, and that gives immediate access to their checking account. These people get a debit card that has the point of sale feature disabled, so it can only be used in an ATM.

So the answer is, yes, they are the same, but there is a little difference.

Many of us are concerned that some card issuers are imposing increased fees on currency exchange transactions, or even on transactions made overseas, so we are all busily checking our debit (ATM) and credit cards to insure that our bank is not imposing such fees. I would say it is a fluid situation; many banks are increasing the fees, but if they start losing business because of this, I am sure they will mend their ways.

Ok,what are the problems with an ATM debit, even when you arrange in advance with your bank. I have read on another travel website that there are problems with limits?? Please advise. I do plan to bring Euros with me, US$ with me and a credit card and my bank debit/ATM card. YOur help is much appreciated.

islandgirltime: You have a daily withdrawal limit at home - you will have the same limit overseas. if you don't know how much it is ask your bank. if it seems too low and you think you'll need more, just ask your bank to temporarily raise your daily limit.

Now some ATM machines also have a limit for individual transactions, but you can always step to the next machine and get some more money.