I know most people on this forum tout use of their ATM cards throughout Europe, but I have this fear of the machine eating my card and then I'll have no chance of getting any money. I've used it only once, in Venice in March of this year and had no problem. <BR><BR>I'm going to Turkey in September and would love to utilize my card effectively. Is this a rational fear--would it be wise to get a second card? Has anyone had any problems with card retrieval?<BR><BR>Thanks for any welcome advice.

It is a rational fear. We carry 4 ATM cards, two each from two different banks, one from PLUS and another from CIRRUS. There are many reasons other than machine eating the card that the additional cards are needed.

Your instinct is correct ~ to go with ONLY 1 ATM card for a trip is crazy...<BR><BR>Either take a spare ATM card and/or have other backups (i.e., cash, travelers checks, credit cards).<BR><BR>Although ATM's are great realistically they can: misfunction, be out of cash, eat your card, not read your card, or -heaven forbid- not be available when/where you need them.

I wouldn't travel without 2 different cars. One a regular debit/visa and another one from a different bank. I've had trouble before in Paris. On my last trip, my friend's card did not work in any country but Austria, she did have a back-up card.

Never had a problem with the ATM keeping my card in Spain , France, or Italy. But to be on the safe side I usually go to the bank's ATM when the bank is open!

My sister had hers rejected for no known reason and so she used her travelers checks, but be aware there can be problems. I, too, had mine rejected on one day, but taken on another. Some banks have an imposed limit you can get in one day around $250. M.

I have that same fear. Especially since it did happen to me. A few years back on the last leg of my trip I was in Germany. My card didn't work for the last three days there nor when I got back in the states. I thought the card was demagnatized. Turns out, there was a hurricane back in the states that hit New Jersey. Apparently, that is a main location for ATM approvals/transactions and my card was hooked up to that location. Now I'm extra careful. I bring several atm cards/credit cards/travelers checks, you name it. I don't ever want to be in that position again.

I never had an ATM machine eat my card, but this did happen to a friend who told me, after I had used that exact ATM, that he had lost his card in it the year before. This was in Italy, and he said he was able to go to the bank the next day and get his card back. However, they only gave him back his card because he went in with the manager of the hotel, who had also had HIS card eaten by the same ATM. Technically, the bank is not supposed to give you back your card, for some reason. <BR><BR>So yes, some kind of funds back-up is a good idea!

Thanks to all who offered great suggestions regarding ATM cards. This is the greatest travel forum anyone could ask for! So many knowledgable, helpful people. Thanks again.