Possibility that bank card wouldn't work abroad?
May 26th, 2006, 05:18 AM
#41
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Yes, AMEX trsvelers checks can always be cashed at the big city AMEX offices, which is why I prefer them over other brands.
Back to the original question -
My wife and I (a German teacher) take around 45 students to Europe every other year. We give plenty of pre-trip advice and have them get ATM- debit cards. They verify them with the bank, have 4 digit pins and all the other advice. At least one and sometimes 2 have problems for no apparent reason. Sometimes it can be fixed by the parent and bank back home, but often not. The cards and accounts will be identical to other kids. 5 years ago I even had the situation where my card would be rejected at an ATM, while my wife's identical card would be accepted. I haven't seen that recently.
Based on all this, I'd say there is a 2% to 5% chance of a new card having SERIOUS problems over there.
A new option has appeared for me. I took out a flexible mortgage line of credit many banks are offering now at more than 1/2% below prime. (Yes its rising) I have a visa card attached to the account and can withdraw money from an ATM and wind up paying around 1/2% a month intrest. I will seriously consider that as a backup for the next trip.
Back to the original question -
My wife and I (a German teacher) take around 45 students to Europe every other year. We give plenty of pre-trip advice and have them get ATM- debit cards. They verify them with the bank, have 4 digit pins and all the other advice. At least one and sometimes 2 have problems for no apparent reason. Sometimes it can be fixed by the parent and bank back home, but often not. The cards and accounts will be identical to other kids. 5 years ago I even had the situation where my card would be rejected at an ATM, while my wife's identical card would be accepted. I haven't seen that recently.
Based on all this, I'd say there is a 2% to 5% chance of a new card having SERIOUS problems over there.
A new option has appeared for me. I took out a flexible mortgage line of credit many banks are offering now at more than 1/2% below prime. (Yes its rising) I have a visa card attached to the account and can withdraw money from an ATM and wind up paying around 1/2% a month intrest. I will seriously consider that as a backup for the next trip.
May 26th, 2006, 10:03 AM
#43
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that is a problem. My bank had all the right logos (star, plus, etc.) and still didn't work in London.
Sometimes with smaller banks this can be a definate issue. I would bring some cash to be on the safe side and also a credit card if possible.
Sometimes with smaller banks this can be a definate issue. I would bring some cash to be on the safe side and also a credit card if possible.
Apr 22nd, 2010, 06:51 AM
#44
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i have 2 australian ATM cards, both with plus on the back, and i recently went to the atm and they wouldnt work! it said they were defective or something so i kept going to all the atms i have used regularly and they still wouldnt. i called and checked that i had money on the cards and i did, then the next day i went to the atm again and they worked fine. but now today they arent again. i'm in austria by the way.. is there an explanation for this?
Apr 23rd, 2010, 07:49 AM
#45
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Frustrating, isn't it? I don't know the whole answer, but apparently there is some automatic lock-out that kicks in with some defined overseas activity. The only thing I can offer is to call again and tell them to disable the lock-out and/or physically go into an austrian bank that services that card type and ask for a manual cash advance. Bon Voyage!!
Apr 23rd, 2010, 07:52 AM
#46
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Well, this is a four year old thread.... things change 
ErinGlew, it's highly probable YOUR bank network was down. I would call them and ask why they aren't working.
Never leave home without the number to call them. (And if you are an American using BofA it's NOT the number of the back of the card, that one is a nightmare. Get them to give you the direct number to the people who control the overseas card use)
ErinGlew, it's highly probable YOUR bank network was down. I would call them and ask why they aren't working.
Never leave home without the number to call them. (And if you are an American using BofA it's NOT the number of the back of the card, that one is a nightmare. Get them to give you the direct number to the people who control the overseas card use)
Apr 23rd, 2010, 02:31 PM
#48
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My ATM card didn't work last week in almost all the machines in Nice. I went inside the bank of one ATM and was told my card was not right. She gave me a copy of a credit card showing the type I need. She pointed on my card for a chip needed. I have the copy to give to my bank. Hopefully they can figure this out. I did eventually find an ATM that would still work with my card. Before my June trip I am getting another account at a different bank. Maybe between the two, one card will work.
Apr 23rd, 2010, 02:40 PM
#49
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ErinGlew - how much are you trying to take out? Could it be that you are trying to take out more than the daily limit? When we have tried to do this we just get our transaction rejected with no explanation, maybe try a lower amount?
Apr 24th, 2010, 09:00 AM
#50
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Sorry scatcat but if you are in the US your bank is not going to switch to cards with a pin. ;^(
There are several reasons for a card not to work:
- blocked at your own bank
- magnetic strip too worn
- your bank offline due to time zone differences
- six digit pin (you should have 4 digits)
- attempting to withdraw over your limit
- attempting to withdraw more than the ATM per
transaction limit
There are several reasons for a card not to work:
- blocked at your own bank
- magnetic strip too worn
- your bank offline due to time zone differences
- six digit pin (you should have 4 digits)
- attempting to withdraw over your limit
- attempting to withdraw more than the ATM per
transaction limit
Apr 24th, 2010, 09:27 AM
#51
Scatcat: She gave you a copy of a <u>credit card</u> -- nothing to do w/ an ATM/debit card.
More than likely the reason your card didn't work was one of the problems ParisAmsterdam mentioned. Most likely -- you were using the card during the down time of you system back home or it was blocked. The 6 digit PIN really isn't a problem any longer IME. Used to be the case for sure though.
Your bank CAN'T give you a card w/ a chip- we don't use them in the States
More than likely the reason your card didn't work was one of the problems ParisAmsterdam mentioned. Most likely -- you were using the card during the down time of you system back home or it was blocked. The 6 digit PIN really isn't a problem any longer IME. Used to be the case for sure though.
Your bank CAN'T give you a card w/ a chip- we don't use them in the States
