Will I able to use my Visa debit card abroad?

ultim · 28 Dec 2009 at 14:20

Im going to Germany for new years and i was wondering will i able to use my card when im there? i.e. cash machine

My card is Visa debit.

I dont want carry too much euros with me.

Ironic Namesake · 28 Dec 2009 at 14:23

Yep - should work no problem for cash.

For purchases would be better to use a credit card, safer

me227 · 28 Dec 2009 at 14:23

It'll work fine. Depending on what bank you're with you might be charged.

randal · 28 Dec 2009 at 14:23

Shouldn't be a problem, just give your bank a heads up that you're traveling. Sometimes they block cards used overseas to prevent fraud.

mattyfez · 28 Dec 2009 at 14:24

Will be fine, although watch you dont gat raped on the conversion rate with things like cash machines.

Cosimo · 28 Dec 2009 at 14:40

randal24 said:
Shouldn't be a problem, just give your bank a heads up that you're traveling. Sometimes they block cards used overseas to prevent fraud.

This is something you should do and the same for your credit card(s).

subrosa · 28 Dec 2009 at 15:10

I live in Münster and have come across some trouble. When I first got here many of the ATMs wouldn't let me withdraw money; Sparkasse works fine though.

Also many shops don't accept Visa for payment so never assume! And that goes for Visa debit as well as credit cards...crazy, I know.

philjohn · 28 Dec 2009 at 15:13

The other thing you could do is get one of those prepaid Post Office Euro Mastercards, you'll probably be hit with less commision too.

Ironic Namesake · 28 Dec 2009 at 15:14

I haven't been to Germany for a while but from what I remember they don't use cards as much as we do here - prefer cash!

me227 · 28 Dec 2009 at 15:34

Ironic Namesake said:
I haven't been to Germany for a while but from what I remember they don't use cards as much as we do here - prefer cash!

I was there last year in Bremen and I never had a problem paying with card.

Wicksta · 28 Dec 2009 at 16:36

Ironic Namesake said:
I haven't been to Germany for a while but from what I remember they don't use cards as much as we do here - prefer cash!

Completely false tbh. I moved there 10 years ago and it was all card based then, they use something called an EC card though. Cheques were unheard of by then and that was in 1999, everything had moved to cards. Even places like Mcdonalds took EC card back then and even cigarette vending machines.

But what subrosa mentions is true, quite a few shops don't take credit card, only EC card - there is no call for something like VISA delta over there because of the EC card so it's not really that crazy. They are just more used to a life based more on debit rather than credit.

MotherMayI · 28 Dec 2009 at 16:45

ultim said:
Im going to Germany for new years and i was wondering will i able to use my card when im there? i.e. cash machine

My card is Visa debit.

I dont want carry too much euros with me.

You going to be in Berlin?

Im heading off to Berlin for NYE tonight, cant wait.

Syngress · 28 Dec 2009 at 16:47

ultim said:
Im going to Germany for new years and i was wondering will i able to use my card when im there? i.e. cash machine

My card is Visa debit.

I dont want carry too much euros with me.

Yep will work in Germany without any problems, but be aware that some banks (LloydsTSB do) will charge you £1 for each overseas transaction.... As I found out last year, luckily I didn't use it as much as the credit card