Using ATM's
 

Can I use my ATM card (which is also a debit card), in Europe at ATM machines. I have never used a visa or mastercard at an ATM machine and do not have any passwords for them. I use a 4 number ID with my ATM card. I plan to use my credit cards for purchases, but, at times, it is handy to have some local currency.

Hi Mary. There are several other notes re ATM's in this forum. If you do a search, you can pull up all the info.

Mary, look on the back of your ATM card. If it claims to be a part of the Cirrus or Plus networks, you'll find plenty of ATMs in Europe. <BR> <BR>You can even located specific locations by searching on Yahoo for "Cirrus (or Plus) ATM Locator".

The message about Cirrus or Plus is right - you'll find tons of ATMs. But before you use your ATM in Europe, ask your bank about fees - some banks charge commission for exchange even when an ATM is used. Some banks also charge a fee for using an interntaional ATM.

Mary <BR>I will only add that some people have been unable to use debit/atm cards to withdraw money from their savings accounts; only the checking accounts seemed to work. <BR>I am a former atm-phobe myself, so I can join everyone by saying don't worry. <BR>You already have yourself covered with a back up credit card. If you wanted to add the belt to the suspenders, you could also bring along some of your home currency (dollars?) in two or three travelers checks, just for an emergency. <BR>You can always deposit them into your account when you get home if you haven't used them.

Just to confuse the issue - last year my Debit Card which was linked to a Cheque Account would not work in England or Ireland - and had to be changed over to a Savings Account by my local bank at home before I could access any money. This may just have been an 'Aussie' thing - but it certainly was a problem for a week or so. Luckily I had a back up Visa Card etc.so was not entirely without funds.

You sure can use your ATM. Check before you go with your bank if there are any restrictions on pin numbers or anything first though. We had no problem in Austria, but in Paris we were told you couldn't have a "0" leading number in your pin so my Mom had to change her pin before we left and later found out that it might have been o.k. after all, but we are glad we did it to be safe! Always tell the bank you have the card with where you are going and ask there restrictions if any on the card well in advance of leaving so you can make any changes necessary. Hope this helps.