I'm planning on using my bank/debit card to get cash while in Europe. I heard that the ATM's there do not give you a choice between chequing and saving accounts - is this true??

This year I used my ATM (Plus)card to get cash from my checking account in Portugal, Spain, Finland, and Lithuania. It was just like here. You chose which account.

The ATM machines I've used in England, Germany, Belgium and France within the past 18 months, did not offer a choice, it automatically takes it from checking. <BR>

I'll ditto Stacey's experience. <BR>The logical and obvious solution: Just make sure your checking account has sufficient funds. Then, you're okay either way!

I've always used my ATM card in N. Ireland, but I recently changed from a bank to a credit union. And I read somewhere recently that credit union cards aren't accepted quite as readily as other bank cards. My card's on the Cirrus network--does anyone know if I'll still be able to use it?

Jim, We used our credit union card all over Ireland this summer and had no problems. The Cirrus network is extensive.

Just be prepared. I used my ATM card very successfully for three weeks in France this summer with not one problem. Then, just before i was ready to leave, I tried to use it again. I tried the machines of four different banks and got nothing. Luckily, I knew the pin code for my credit card and was able to get a small cash advance. I also had some American dollars with me that i exchanged the next morning. I would go with an ATM plan again when I travel next, but be prepared just in case.

I found out the hard why!!! I go to Eastern Europe twice a year. There it comes out of your Checking only. unless you only have a savings account. I had made a withdrawal not knowing it all came out of my checking. I had my savings account elsewhere before. And I had just opened this savings account with them so I didn't have to use two banks. Well all my money was in my savings. I had to call my bank and tell to do a transfer for me fast!!! or I was up the creek!! Because I had the rigt type of account they were able to do it right then. If I had not had them joined I cound not to it by phone, I'd have to go in and sign for the transfer they told. Close call for me.

No. I was never giving a choice in Eastern Europe. The Main account only. Which all the banks I checked with said it is your checking account period. I had the same thing happen to me in Hungary that happened to you Alice. I had to have my Family wire me money because I could not do the transfer. The worst part was that no one else was on my account back home to do it for me either. Oh 4 digit pin number only too. Have fun Krissy