ATMs in Europe
 

The Q&A in the Travel section of our local paper stated that most ATMs in Europe used SIX digit pin codes. Is this something new? We,ve been able to use our 4-digit pins before...Help!

Greece, Morocco, and just two weeks ago, England and France, used 4 digit numbers. Maybe they will accept UP TO six digits, but my 4digit numbers worked just fine.

I read somewhere that many European ATM's are being changed to accept six-digit PIN's as well as four-digit PIN's because of all the tourists...

Returned from London and Paris 10/2/99. Four digit PIN worked.

My 4-digit PIN worked fine in Denmark. A suggestion on the subject of PIN numbers for those renting cars. We in the US (at least here in Illinois) are accustomed to just sticking a credit card in the gas pump and getting gas. I discovered in Denmark this year (and assume it may be the case in other countries) that the pumps at the cheapest gas stations require you to both put the card in AND enter a PIN. I know I was given a PIN for my VISA card, but I never use it in the US (I don't use the VISA card to get cash because of the extra fees) so I did not think to memorize it, and therefore ended up paying several cents extra per liter of gas to get it at a station with an attendant. If you want cheaper gas in Europe, memorize a PIN for your VISA card.

Just got back from France, Germany, Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy and Austria where 4 digit pins worked fine. The other couple did have problems in Germany and France, but that was due to their bank and not the pin (it was a checking account not a savings account). We usually take 2 cards tied to 2 different checking accounts just in case one has a problem. Both worked fine.

Hi, <BR>I live in Norway, and here we use 4 digit pin codes. I know it is the same in Sweden and Denmark. I also know that all the other countries in the European Union uses the same standard. <BR>Kaja

Thanks for all your responses. Let's hope the "up to six" is the correct answer. My travelling companion has a five digit!

For France in July, we actually had to change our normal 5 digit pin to a 4 digit because that was their max at that time, and it worked great. Spouse was in Scotland in Sept to play golf with the guys and the 4 digit worked there too. Call your credit card issuer if you're still concerned? <BR>Another tip from our card issuer this summer: alert them ahead of time that you'll be in "country x" during these dates; so the various vendors don't have trouble calling for approval. This is especially helpful if you make some good sized purchases - very helpful since they just get local authorization. Especially if those purchases are in the early morning - it's not exactly banking hours on the East Coast!

Hi! Just returned from the Czech Rep. last week. The ATM's there were all 4 digit. We use it all the time, not bothering with Travelers checks. <BR>alan