Going to Germany...Debit Card???

Question

I'm going to Germany for three weeks in February as part of an exchange program, and everyone recommends getting a debit/ATM card along with some cash (instead of travellers checks). Is there any one card/company in particular which is better than others for travelling? I'm not one that does a lot of travelling, ok, I do very little traveling...this is my first time over seas, so I'd need one which was good locally too. Thanks!

Answer 1

I would put the vacation funds in a separate account and have the debit card attached to that account.  If someone steals the number, you don't want them getting into funds in your main account.  

Also check to make sure that there will be no extra charge for the financial institution to convert euros to dollars when you make a purchase.

Answer 2

A debit card is much more convient than traveller's cheques, though if you are not careful, you may end up paying more in the commission. Since you are going on exchange, your biggest costs (food and lodging) will basically be covered. If you are in a small town, you may need to find an ATM at a neigboring town to get your cash, but towns are so close together, it would not be very far at all.

Some tips:

Be aware that most debit cards have a daily limit to how much you can take out. (about $300). Check with your banking institution when you get your card. (My local credit union card worked fine out there.)

Each time you use an ATM overseas, you will be charged for a transaction. You may want to consider to take out a larger sum when you first arrive, and hopefully it will cover you for the first week or so. (Again, since you are on exchange, you should not have many expenses.) Keep some of the cash on you and store the rest safe at your host family's place so you don't suddenly spend it all. The next time you need more cash, take out another larger sum of money and continue. If you find you have some cash at the end of your 3 weeks, so can exchange it for your local money (be aware of a service charge on this, too).

I'm guessing you will want to buy souvineers, which can start getting expensive depending how much you buy. In the touristy areas, some shops will readily accept traveller's cheques (if you still want to take them along because they are more secure than cash). You can use these for your larger purchases.

Have fun, see the sights and learn more of the language! Viel Spass!

Answer 3

I used my debit card in Germany last year and it was definitely a good idea.

Answer 4

Every one is giving loads of advice but not answering your question - Visa or Mastercard is what you need.  A debit card is better than a credit card because if you use a credit card you will be charged for receiving a cash advance.

Answer 5

Make sure your ATM code is only 4 characters numeric.  I know people who have had trouble with secret pins.  Visa cards seem to do better in Germany than Mastercards.  ATMS are plentiful everywhere and service most types of cards.  I have a Wells Fargo ATM, which works fine. But, most Germans pay in cash and in smaller cities you might need a EuroMaster Card or cash only.  In general Germans have not been really big on credit. So cash is the way to go. Germany is pretty safe and most people seem to carry a lot of cash not travelers checks.  Just be careful, especially at train stations and airports.

Answer 6

get a debit card from your bank. all the ATM's i went to in Germany took my debit card from my bank in Alaska. no one else had any problems with any of their debit cards either. just remember that the euro costs a lot more than the dollar. so when you take out 40 euro it's like taking out 53 dollars or something.

Answer 7

i've been in Germany for 3 years, and an ATM/Debit card is definetely the way to go. not everyone will take travelers checks, but there are ATMs everywhere, especially in train stations and all over the city.  however, they do charge you for using an ATM card from a different bank (usually between 2-5 euro).  The exchange rate usually hovers around .75-.80 euro cent- to one US dollar. (so 20 euro is about 25 us dollars).  I have a master card debit card, but they accept all major credit/debit cards.

Answer 8

Don't bring travelers checks - No bank will accept them over there, and yes, you can use debit but the charge is $5.00 or something a transaction. You should really just bring German money.  And, if you are going to use credit cards - you have to have your passport with you at all times......they are very finicky over there.

PS - budget money to go to the bathroom - because you have to pay to use them over there (anywhere public - the bar, the malls, diners.....)

Answer 9

Make sure your notify your bank when you go overseas.  This way they can notify the fraud department to expect unusual transactions.  Some banks may requires you to activate your card for international transactions.   Also,  Since Germany is mostly a cash county.  They used the EC (Electronic cash card).  If your debit card has a Maestro symbol on your card it should work as a pin purchase.  If you run it like a credit card make sure you have your passport with you.   If your debit card has MasterCard or Cirrus or Visa plus symbol it should work at atms in the big cities.  There will be fees for any transaction you do.

Even through MasterCard and Maestro are the same company.

Maestro is run as a pin purchase and MasterCard is run as a signature purchase usually.