[Idyllchat] Final word on ATMs in Europe

[Jay Cloidt]

I think he means a Visa or Mastercard labeled debit card vs. the old style
ATM card that cannot be used as a credit card. The thinking there is that if
the card is stolen, or the number is stolen, they can access your trip funds
in your checking account. Finding a bank that does not just automatically
issue one is difficult these days, and I personally think that is a bit of
overkill.

But I've also never had any problems with pickpockets, gypsies, etc. I'm
also in my 40's, male, and from a large urban area (New York City). I
generally don't give off the "easy mark" vibe wherever I am.

  - Jay

On Mon, Jun 23, 2008 at 5:18 PM, dtrees <dtrees at hughes.net> wrote:

>  Why not take a debit card?  That's what I thought most people have been
> talking about.
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
>
> *From:* Mary Anthony <montanatravelers at hotmail.com>
> *To:* idyllchat at lists.untours.com
> *Sent:* Monday, June 23, 2008 4:00 PM
> *Subject:* [Idyllchat] Final word on ATMs in Europe
>
> 1. Get a card that does not charge conversion fees and also has pin number
> of 4 digits.  Better yet have 2 cards that fit bill.
> 2. Call bank or credit card company and up limit and tell them where and
> when you are going (do it twice for certainty of communications)
> 3. Be cognizant of overly friendly people looking over your shoulder at
> ATM's (block transaction window with your body).
> 4. Take 100 Euros for odds and ends on arrival
> 5. Do not take debit card
> 6. check with bank, credit card company, nat. tourism office as to which
> bank's ATMs are the best to use
> 7. Do not do anything in the airport except get baggage  and maybe have
> your first German bier (or first Irish Guinness)
> 8. Realize as an American you have mark on your back for every scam and
> hustler.  Be vigilant.
> 9. Go where the locals go and ENJOY YOURSELVES.  If it sounds overwelming,
> all of the above will become 2nd nature.
>
> or yes, don't wear white tennis shoes, an hawaiian shirt, or a baseball
> hat.
>
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