Steve,
I agree with Sclubb. My debit card also has the raised numbers and hologram and absolutely does not have a line of credit associated with it. You can make purchases as "credit" (w/ signature) or "debit" (w/ a PIN), but they both come out of my checking account. I'm thinking the difference you speak of is between regular ATM cards and credit cards. Some retailers now allow customers to use their regular ATM cards as debit cards, so maybe that is what they are talking about.

About how to pronounce the word "colòn": What's with discussing an 'e'? There is no 'e' on the word "colón" except when using the plural, "colones". The accent on the 'o' means stress that syllable, so the pronunciation for one "colòn" is "koh-LOAN." And for more than one "colòn", the pronunciation is "koh-LOAN-ness".

Mi dos colones.

I have used my bank ATM card all over the world (with plus, star etc on reverse side). Just a warning that if you go over the debit limit (mine is $200 per day) then the foreign ATM machine will reject the transaction without specifying why. Therefore, you have to guesstimate the approximate number of euros, pounds or whatever equals $200 or lower before the machine will accept the withdrawal.

Barbarian--

Oops--When I typed colone, I meant to type colones. I was referring to the plural. TAGriffin's response (that the "e" is pronounced like a long "a") is what I thought I remembered from Spanish class. I guess I'll find out tomorrow!

Pronouncing E as long A is the American way, and is what is taught in US schools. Yes, please let us know how the Costa Rican-born residents (not the American immigrants)say it. thanks