Can I use an American issued debit card in Germany?

Question

i've heard that people use their credit cards in Europe. but what about debit cards? im assuming that when i use it here U.S dollars would come out of the machine but in Europe Euros would come out and there would be slightly less. is that accurate? can i use a Visa or Mastercard debit card in Germany?

Answer 1

As long as it says Visa or MC on it, you can use it anywhere those are accepted. As for cash, it will come out Euros which means there will be a rate exchange somewhere along the line since you are dealing with USD. Call your bank to make sure before you go. Good luck!!!

Answer 2

Yes just make sure you contact the CC company before making any purchases and tell them that you will be purchasing there (in Germany). If you don't they might "stop purchases" on the card and think they are fraudulent. This happend to me.

Answer 3

If it has a Visa MC symbol on it yes!! Their will be a small fee just as with all ATMs.

You can use both their in many places but not all.

(Nice try sheep boy, we are far large in number than you and your sheep clones are!) Some just learn the hard way, sorry to the asker he has brought this into your question. The Frankfurt #1 TC is the Troll!

Answer 4

Yes as the others said as long as it has Visa or MC on it it will work at the Geldomatics/ATMs.

You can use a bank too.

Answer 5

I'm from US Army and staying in Germany. With my US Debit card I get money from German ATM's and get Euros.

You can also use your Visa/MasterCard too. The bad thing is just the low $ rate and high Euro rate.

Answer 6

I have to disagree somewhat on this.  Don't think you can use your card every where like we do in the states.  Yes, you can use it to get money at an ATM but many business' do not take credit cards.  The banks here charge the business too much in fees for credit cards.  Expect to cary 100-200 euros with you if you are going shopping.

Answer 7

As long as the brand (Visa or mastercard like you said) is accepted, it works perfectly fine

Answer 8

Yes, you can use your debit card in Germany.  I used my First Merit Visa debit card. It was no problem withdrawing money from an ATM either.  Just be aware that the exchange rate might change and there will be adjustments on your bill for each purchase.  Also, there might be unseen fees associated with debit transactions. It's a good idea to call the credit card company and tell them where you are going.  They might think your credit card was stolen and cancel it while you are on vacation.  You can ask about hidden fees at that time.  Have a killer time in Deutschland!