From what I've read here on the boards, it looks like using an ATM card is the way to go rather than carrying cash. My ATM card is also my debit card so it has the Visa logo, it also has the logos for Plus and Interlink.

Does anyone know if the card will work over in the UK? I'm going on the Cosmos Grand Tour of Britain and Ireland in October.

Thanks so much!

Hillarie

As long as it has the Plus or Cirrus sign it should work fine.

Your pin number can not exceed 4 digits.

Thanks everyone! I also checked with my bank and everything should work fine.

just wondering if you had any suggestions about using ATM in other countries. Were they more difficult not being in English? Any suggestions as I am going to Portugal and Spain shortly and hoping to use the ATM?
Thanks

English is spoken by many in Europe and even in Hungary the ATM was in English,Hungarian and German. I have used ATM's all over Europe and never had a problem. Make sure your money is in your checking account NOT savings as you will not have the option to access your savings account only checking.

Make sure you see someone before you make a complete transaction on the ATM. There are even scam artists in Europe that use inserts to hold your card.

I am wondering if ATM machines are available at the airports in Europe? Or should I just exchange $$ at the currency exchange booth when I arrive?

Every airport I have been to in Europe has had an ATM somewhere in/near the arrival hall.You will have no problem finding one anywhere in Europe. They are everywhere.Do not go to a currency exchange as their fees are very high.Just use the ATM's.

Some ATM machines in Europe do not accept ATM cards. In our case, unless the ATM was part of a bank structure, the card would not process.

Having traveled to 13 countries including a couple in Eastern Europe. I have not been to Russia or Turkey. I have never had a problem finding an ATM that worked anywhere.My card has the Cirrus and Plus sign on it and I have used it mostly in airports and with ATMs attached to banks. That is probably a good idea to do that anyway. I usually hit the first ATM as soon as I get thru customs,immigration and pick up my luggage.

The ATM card we have is issued by Wachovia Bank and has restrictions on use in Europe.

[quote="Hillarie"]From what I've read here on the boards, it looks like using an ATM card is the way to go rather than carrying cash. My ATM card is also my debit card so it has the Visa logo, it also has the logos for Plus and Interlink.

Does anyone know if the card will work over in the UK? I'm going on the Cosmos Grand Tour of Britain and Ireland in October.

Thanks so much!

Hillarie [/quote]


For Asia travelers.

I have used my debit card in Southeast Asia pretty often, especially Thailand, Philippines and Hong Kong - no problems. Both Visa and Mastercard worked for me. I do bring credit cards with me, but I only keep them for emergencies!

My credit union sponsors my debit card. The credit union pays the ATM fees for me - even overseas! Some credit cards have high fees when used overseas - check with the provider before you leave home. And, of course you do get pay interest on credit card charges too! (No interest to pay with a debit card, but you do have to have the money in the bank!)

Notify the bank or credit union that you will be out of the country or the ATM may refuse to take your card suspecting fraud. If your credit card has high fees for ATM use - take out the maximum to cut down lots of fees for small withdrawals.

When overseas, I prefer to use an ATM that has their bank open nearby. This way if your credit/debit card gets stuck you can immediately get some help.

I think you should change a little money at the banks or money changers at the airport if only to get some small bills for paying taxi cabs and for bus fare. Some notes may be too high to cash or the driver claims he has no change so you say "keep the change!"

Don't rely on only a single credit or debit card for all of your cash needs, that single card could become stolen, lost or damaged and you would be out of money!

When I am overseas I don't use my credit or debit card for cheap purchases, I use cash! I do this to prevent any fraud charges that I wouldn't see until I return home a month or so later when I get the statement!

k

These are all good tips.