Mr_Dreamer

We are on a limited budget for our upcoming vacation to Europe but I applied for and received a $3,500 Visa from our bank(Citibank) to use only if we run out of funds from our vacation account. Is it safe to use a credit card or do I need to pull some cash off it here and deposit in the travel account before we go? We have Mastercard debit cards for getting cash while there. Thank you.

superheterodyne

What do you mean by "safe" ?

quokka

That's what I wanted to ask, too.

Mr_Dreamer

By safe I mean, is there any problems you know of with CC numbers being stolen and used? I've never had any reason to have a CC because our debit card worked just like one but I hear horror stories about people stealing your account information and running up a hugh debt. Is there anything to worry about is all I am asking?

sansman

In my limited view, i think CC useage is safer in Europe than in the US. For example in france, they have machines which the waiter bring to your table and run the credit card through..rather than disappearing in some back room like in the good ole USA. In many places in Europe, I notice they actually check the signature against the one on the card, which is very rare in the US.

alanRow

It's about as safe as using a CC in the US

superheterodyne

There's no more reason to be afraid in Europe than in the US. (Why would there be ? and actually, some countries, eg France, have more secure systems than the stripe-and-sign...)

Besides, to be of any use in Europe, the money should be on your checking account, and not on your savings account.

xyz123

Is it 100% safe? No, nobody can say that. Is it 99.9% safe, yes.

Credit card scams go on all over the world...it can just as easily happen at your corner grocery....the vermin running these credit card theft rings from Eastern Europe or Nigeria are very smart and are constantly figuring out ways to steal your cc numbers and there is very little you can do to stop it if you're dealing with one of these pieces of slime who work in the stores and steal the numbers....but that's no reason to forgo use of this convenient way of travelling.

Mr_Dreamer

Thanks for the advice. If I pulled cash off that card the rate is 21% even if we don't use it and return it to the card in 2 or 3 weeks! I will just take it with us and only use it if we really need to because the rate is only 9.9% if I use it to buy things.

Weadles

I've never (luckily) had a problem with our credit cards in Europe. But I would definitely recommend calling your credit card company before you leave and informing them about the dates and places you intend to travel, and when you'll return. That way if they see any suspicious activity on your account, they can get in touch with you, or put a hold on that card until you call to verify.

Nikki

I feel more secure using a credit card than a debit card. When my husband's credit card was stolen, we called and learned that the thief had charged $2,000 in the hour since the card was taken. We were not responsible for any of it. If it had been a debit card, the money would have already been gone from his checking account and we would have had to get the bank to put it back in.

Dukey

I would advise you to alert the CC issuer of your travel plans if you haven't already.

Have them give you the direct (bypassing the usual "enter your account number" menu) phone number to call their security department in the event that your card is lost or stolen.

Generally speaking you are protected from fraud on any amount above $50

Mr_Dreamer

I have all ready told Citibank we are planning on using the card in Europe and they are sending me a packet of information and some forms to fill out before we leave? They also offered me auto insurance coverage while there but I am not going to mess with a car this time since it's our first visit. Maybe next time when I feeling more comfortable about the rules and regulations in Europe and what it's like over there.

LeighTravelClub

Chip and pin is used widely in Europe. Try to have a chip and pin card. Look at a credit card protection plan. They are fairly cheap, maybe £25 per year. I definitely would not use a credit card to obtain cash other than in extreme circumstances as the cash advance fees are often huge. Use it for purchases.
I think Europe is as safe as anywhere for using c.c.

alanRow

What exactly does a card protection plan give you that isn't already given to you by law/CC company?

ira

Hi Mr D,

A CC is much safer than a debit card.

With a CC, if you are defrauded, the worst thing is that they will put a hold on your account until things are sorted out.

With a debit card, all of your cash is on hold until they sort it out.

I use CC's when I wish to charge and an ATM-only card for cash.

LeighTravelClub

WHAT IT GIVES YOU IS AUTOMATIC REPORTING AND REPLACEMENT OF ANY CARDS OR DOCUMENTS (INCLUDING PASSPORT) THAT ARE LOST OR STOLEN AND IT TAKES ONE PHONECALL. It will often provide payment eg.hotel bill, plane ticket,or other emergency funding. It will also give you further protection against fraudulent use.
Personally, I wouldn't be without it.

robjame

I am always amused when this question comes up – it ranks right up there with the guy from NYC who is worried about pick pockets in Paris.
Credit cards are safer in Europe than in the States – they don’t take the card away from you to process a transaction. It is done before your eyes.
Credit cards are safer than cash. You are never responsible for fraudulent use of your credit card.
Except for the use of a bank card in a bank machine, the exchange rate is about as good as you are going to get depending on your choice of credit card companies.
In my experience you cannot use a bank card (debit card) in a retail establishment in Europe.
Be aware that if you do not have a “chipped” credit card attached to a PIN you may not be able to use the credit card in an unattended machine such as a toll booth or gas station.
There are some things you should do before you leave home:
Alert your credit card company where you are going and what dates so they will not freeze your card because of unusual use.
Obtain from your credit card company their toll free numbers from the countries where you will be in case of loss or theft.
Do not put extra money on your card before you leave as this may void your advantages which you have such as purchase insurance in case an item bought with the card is lost or stolen, car insurance or extra warranty protection. These items are afforded to you because you are buying on “credit”. (These extras depend on the credit card).
Do not split the car rental between two cards – this may void your car insurance privileges.
Check the maximum duration for car insurance for your card (can be 30 days or 45 days). Renting a car beyond this time can void the insurance waiver.
Choose your credit card company wisely – might include purchase loss and/or breakage protection and/or theft protection; hotel room theft, travel insurance, car insurance waiver, trip insurance, bonus air miles or reward points.
In my experience a chat with your bank manager (in Canada) will often result in his waiving any credit card annual charges for their card – ie. Royal Bank Visa.

suze

Don't take a cash advance before your trip!! That is really an expensive way to get money. Take the CC with you and use it only if you need to. There's no more (or less) danger using a credit card in Europe than in the United States (in my opinion).