We'll be traveling to Amsterdam in a couple of weeks. I have read where most travelers use their ATM cards in Europe. We do not have an ATM card and I am sure it is too late to get one---poor planning! We can possibly get a temporary one to use from our bank. Or, can we just take US money and use it or should we try to exchange it for Euros before we leave? We will use our VISA when possible.
Thanks for your advice!

I can't believe you don't have an atm card...but that aside, do you have a close friend or relative who has one? Give them your cash and take their card (and pin number) with you. Although, if you still have a couple of weeks, you might be able to get one of your own. Using your visa for purchases is fine, but you'll need some cash too. Bringing cash to exchange or buying euros here before you go is really expensive... I would think you could still get an atm card from your bank if you act quickly and tell them to expedite it. Make every effort to get an atm card.

Before ATMs were very popular, people would just buy Traveller's checks. Until 1995 or so, I always kept Travellers Checks. I never certain that the ATMs really worked and when I needed cash, the ATM wasn't my first choice.

TCs are more of a pain. They're more costly to use and they're not as possible to cash as they were. But, if you don't have a card which will give money from the ATM machine, this will work.

In my opinion, bringing big chunks of cash is the last option. If you lose this cash, you're going to get very hungry on your trip.

And, have a good time in Amsterdam.

Blackduff

rbphilly, have you taked to your bank? I would think that you could obtain an ATM card with the period of time you have. I don't know about Amsterdam but in Italy not all ATM's accept ATM only cards, they need to be an ATM/Debit card. Get a 4 digit pin. Best wishes.

Can't you get cash from your credit card? Call your VISA see.

About ATM's: I discovered the hard way that European ATM key pads have only numbers on them, no alpha characters. Sounds stupid, but I use an alpha code and had trouble figuring out which letter equated to which number. Know your numbers, if you are going to use an ATM, which is really the way to replenish cash. Check with your bank before you leave the USA - some banks are now charging extra for the service.

Most banks/credit unions will give you an ATM card while you wait so that sould not be a problem. Wouldn't need to be "temporary". I can't imagine a friend giving you their ATM card like BRR suggests - just plain silly.

I'll give you the benefit of the doubt that you really didn't mean &quot;<i>Or, can we just take US money and use it</i>&quot;

Don't use your credit card to get cash. Cash advances are very expensive - fees, and interest from day one.

1) get an ATM card if you can, and if not, 2) use US $ travelers checks to exchange for &euro; in Amsterdam. You can buy $ travelers checks fee-free at many banks/credit unions/AAA. You will pay fairly high fees to exchange them but it will stilll be better than cash advances w/ a credit card.

The worst rates will be for exchanging US$ cash for &euro; cash.

L84Sky, sure they could &quot;borrow&quot; money from their credit card, but you pay dearly for that privilege. In addition to whatever fee they charge, cash advances on a credit card start charging interest the day you get the money.

I was under the impression most banks could issue an ATM card for your existing checking account in a day or two, if not on the spot.

Excuse me, but are you misinterpreting what an atm card is?

My 82 year old mother in law has two, so it cannot be an age issue.

I know I could walk into any bank, deposit some cash and walk out with a shiney new card in a few minutes.

&quot;can we just take US money and use it&quot;

are you being serious here?

I'm sure it is a serious question. There are places in the world that prefer US Dollars, or Euros, or British Pounds to their local currency. Not so in Western Europe, of course, but not an unreasonable &quot;unserious&quot; question for someone who hasn't traveled in Europe and is very concerned about options for paying bills.

Hi rb,

You should be able to get 2 ATM cards on your current bank account while U wait. I suggest getting ATM-only cards.

While you're at it, you could also open a travel account and get two cards for that.

That way, you will be able to withdraw 4x the daily limit, should you have to.

Do not use your credit/debit card to get cash, except for emergencies. You will pay a very high interest rate.

One thing for sure, no, you can't just take US money and use it. You need to get euro.

I would go get an ATM card from your bank. A couple weeks should be more than enough time.

Or even one of the pre-loaded travel cards they are selling now (not the best deal but would get the job done).

Otherwise I would purchase some euros somehow, somewhere (at your home bank, at AAA, at Thomas Cooke type agency, at your departure airport).

I agree with above posters-- with a couple of weeks' time, you should be able to get an ATM/debit card from your bank. Tell them it's urgent and they should be able to help you.

We noticed in Amsterdam that they don't want to take debit or credit cards for purchases of about 25EUR or less. So you will need euro in your pocket.

In case you don't know, you have to notify your bank that you will be using credit/debit cards in other countries. If they don't know this, it might signal red flags to the system, and your card could be denied. Be sure to tell them your schedule and destinations.

Finally, different banks charge different 'foreign transaction fees', anywhere from 0% to 3% on top of Visa's 1%. So, if you have the time, find out what your bank charges and get a better rate on a new card if need be. Capital One and credit unions usually have the lowest fees.

It all sounds confusing, but it's not-- just take it one step at a time.

Amsterdam is wonderful. We really enjoyed our visit there. Great restaurants, beautiful city, friendly people. charming canals, great art-- they have it all. You will love it, too!

It is NOT too late to get an ATM card - any bank should be able to get you one in a couple of days.

(And how do you access your checking account now without one? Do you actually go into the bank all the time to get money? Or still write checks in the supermarket?)

Thank you so much for the informative replies. It is our first trip to Europe.
We spent a month in SE Asia last year and they LOVED U.S. money so I just assumed!! I am learning.
I have ordered Euros and will get a travel ATM card. I talked to our bank and they could not order a regular ATM card in time. Again, thanks.

Thanks Neo, I've never gotten cash from my cc and didn't know that they charge interest from the day you get it. Yikes! That would floor me since I don't believe in paying CC interest.

Not only do most credit card issuers charge interest immediately for cash withdrawals (advances), it's often at a different rate (much higher) and with a significant transaction fee!

At our bank, ATM cards can be issued on the spot - or, within a couple of weeks you should be able to acquire an ATM/debit card. With ours, there are no transaction fees when used as a debit for purchases and no ATM fees either.

You just have to shop cards/accounts.

PS We no longer bother with travelers checks, but like to be prepared for all contingencies, so bring a few hundred dollar bills, just in case (which can be easily exchanged anywhere).

Anyone remember when ATM's throughout France couldn't be used due to a strike?

&quot;Anyone remember when ATM's throughout France couldn't be used due to a strike?&quot;

I'm french and I do remember. That's one of the reasons why I disagree with most posters here and think having a backup plan besides ATM withdrawal is a good idea. Another reason is the fact that I once lost luggages and documents in Portugal and was pretty happy to have traveller's with me (actually, it's also the moment when I discovered it was possible to use an ATM card in a foreign country. I had no clue. Still, I think I could have lost the card too).