Debit Card PIN numbers in Europe... can't start with a Zero?
 

Hi to all.... I've been reviewing the Venice notes I got from Elaine on this forum a couple years ago. (Elaine, if you're reading this, thanks for such a well-put-together and helpful Venice file!) Anyway, I noticed in her helpful hints section that if your debit card PIN number starts with a zero, it may not work in Europe. In 2002 I went to Rome and had a debit card which I used with no problems, but at that time my PIN number did not start with a Zero. Since that time I had to change my PIN number and it actually does start with a Zero now. Is this really going to cause me a problem next March in Venice? Thanks!

I've read the same thing several different places but we have 2 cards that have a zero as the first number in the Pin and have never had a problem.

Not to say it won't happen...

Why not just change the PIN so you don't have to worry? If you do it now, you will have 6 months to get it right.

I've had a PIN that starts with zero for 15 years and have never had a problem using it in Europe.

I just opened a new account to have another checking account that would not be affected if I lost my debit card. It specifically said I could not have a PIN that started with a zero. I also forgot my PIN for a credit card and requested a new one and they also had a message that I could not start a new PIN with a zero.

So if your starts with a zero, just change it and don't take any chances!

Thanks for your opinions, everyone. I was leaning towards changing it anyway just to be safe, but I just found it an odd little rule. (Not that there aren't other odd things about traveling... it's all just part of the grand adventure.)

Good night!

I have used a PIN that started with zero in over 50 Bankomats in Italy.

I've never had a PIN that starts with zero myself, I've just read the caveats here and elsewhere, so included the info in my Venice file as a "may" be a problem. I've read the same warnings for France, UK, and England.
Henry, I guess it's not true for Italy.