Can I use my U.S. bank visa debit card when purchasing meals in european countries without using cash?

Question

I will be in the netherlands and france for 2 weeks and I wanted to know if most places or any at all would let me use my U.S. Bank Visa debit card to make purchases such as meals without having to use the local currency. Or is it better to just take out the local currency at an atm or a western union? Thanks in advance

Answer 1

yes you can, but first you have to call the bank and tell them that you are going to be traveling europe. this is just to be on the safe side because if you start using it maybe the bank would lock or freeze the debit card because its not common to have a transaction in another country or far away from where you live unless you travel all the time.

I went to South America last summer and call the bank and my debit card work perfect at restaurants and atms.

Answer 2

If your card works as a credit card, many places will accept it, but by no means all.

So ask before you order your food.

Accepted, as many people will prefer to pay by card or are out of cash. Many places will not accept cards at all, or only the national banking cards only, that work by using your pin.

If your card works as a 'pay by pin' only, it will not work other than to take cash out of the wall.

Visa credit cards are with the ones that are liked, almost every place accepting cards will accept them.

The word debit card is used for several different kinds of card, therefor the reservations in the answer.

Taking cash out of an ATM is the easiest, mostly also the cheapest option. Check that the card you want to use is ready for use abroad.

Answer 3

Generally, yes. But verify with your bank as they may not serve a few countries. Also let them know your intinerary. NEVER, EVER, NEVER let the card out of your sight and carefully review the bills you get back.

Answer 4

I have been to Europe as a backpacker and think it is a better choice to make your payments with your VISA credit card  and get cash from an atm, western union is NOT a good option because of its exchange rate.

Answer 5

Tell your bank that you're going over seas. Some banks will freeze an account if there is suspicious activity and living in the states and charges in Europe are kinda suspicious. Just make sure you let them know before you leave and have fun it's beautiful.

Answer 6

As long as it has the Visa logo on it, they will accept it.  

You're going to pay a conversion fee (charged later by your bank, not at point of sale), whether you use the card to pay for something or to get the cash from an ATM.