Will my U.S. Visa Debit Card work in Paris?
Feb 22nd, 2001 | 12:59 PM
#4
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I carry both my standard ATM card and my VISA debit card, both Bank of America. <BR>The VISA card works fine in Paris. <BR>Both worked at big banks in Switzerland. <BR>Once in a small town, one bank took only <BR>MC cards and the other bank took only VISA cards. I did not know of the second bank, and coverted a US $$ travelers check. Then after a little walking around the village, I spotted the second bank with Visa logos plastered on it. Also you might want to consider having a second credit card. <BR>Last year in Paris the waiter at a small restaurant said my primary card would not work. So I used my second card, which did. Had it failed I guess I would still be there working in the kitchen with the dirty dishes. <BR>
Feb 22nd, 2001 | 01:43 PM
#5
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As above have said, many machines will only take a 4 digit (all numeric) PIN. Also, don't leave it to the last minute to get money. I have noticed that you can be denied money if the network is down (Sunday is a bad day) while in NA, it might go through. If you try to take out a large amount and it does not work, try smaller amounts - you can usually get a minimum even if network is down.
Feb 23rd, 2001 | 06:30 AM
#7
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We were there in November. It is really important to have a second card for backup. For reasons we never figured out, our VISA Debit Card just would not work in Paris ATM but our Bank ATM did . . both tied to same checking account. Also used a MasterCard Credit Card and it worked like a charm, althoug they do charge interest, but worth in a pinch. <BR> <BR>By agreement with VISA, any bank which displays the VISA logo is required to give advances if the ATM does not work, but not all did. You will find ATM's all over Paris. The best machines for me were the ones at the post offices. (go figure? ? )
