Check the Network Before You Travel
If you have a debit card with a Visa or MasterCard logo, you should have a pretty easy time using your debit card in Europe. Your debit card will also have the symbol of a debit card network like PLUS, Cirrus, or Maestro. When you’re using your debit card at an ATM—which is often the most convenient and cheapest way to get cash when you’re traveling in Europe—check for these symbols to be sure your card is compatible.
Let Your Bank Know You’re Traveling
Before you head out, give your bank a quick call to let them know you’ll be traveling out of the country. Give them the date of your departure and your return so your bank won’t put a hold on your debit card. Otherwise, your bank may automatically flag your international transactions as fraudulent, and that could be a hassle. Keep in mind that there can be a time difference of up to 10 hours between countries in Eastern Europe and the Western United States, which can make it difficult to contact your bank during business hours.
Confirm the International Transaction Fees You’ll Pay
While you have your bank on the phone, it’s helpful to find out the fees you’ll be charged for using your debit card in Europe both for purchases and for withdrawing cash from the ATM. Many banks charge a fee for converting your transaction to another currency. The Euro is widely used throughout Europe, but some countries, like the UK and Switzerland, use their own currencies (the British Pound and the Swiss Franc). You may pay a flat fee or a percentage of the transaction. You’ll need to factor these foreign transaction fees into your budget so you won’t run out of funds. Using a debit card that’s great for international travel can help you save on fees.
Check Your Daily Cash Withdrawal Limit
You’ll want to carry a certain amount of local currency with you just in case you’re traveling to places that don’t accept debit cards, or you want to avoid paying currency exchange fees on each transaction. Check your current daily cash withdrawal limit to confirm it’s high enough for the amount you may withdraw each day. If not, ask your bank to raise your withdrawal limit while you’re on the trip. You can lower the limit again once you’re back home.
Make Sure You Have a 4-Digit PIN
ATMs in Europe won’t accept a PIN longer or shorter than four digits, so make sure you have your PIN set correctly before you depart on your trip. While you can withdraw cash from an ATM using a credit card, it’s better to use your debit card since a credit card cash advance is more expensive.
Pay for Purchases in Local Currency
Some merchants may ask if you want to pay for your purchase in U.S. dollars. While it might be easier for you to do the math this way, it’s typically more expensive. The merchants essentially charge their exchange rate, which may be much higher than what your bank charges you. You can download an exchange rate calculator app to your phone, so you can quickly make currency conversions.
Bring a Backup Credit or Debit Card
You don’t want to be stuck in Europe without a second source of funding. Bring another credit or debit card with you. Make sure you call that bank before traveling as well and check the fees and daily withdrawal limits. Don’t carry the two cards with you at the same time. Leave one where you’re staying so that if your primary debit card is lost or stolen, you won’t be without a card. If you’re uncomfortable leaving your second card at your hotel or Airbnb, carry it on your person, but separately from your main credit card. For example, you might carry one card in your wallet and another in your shoe.
Be Aware of Debit Card Fraud Protection Laws
While using your debit card means you’re not creating a credit card balance, it may be riskier. If your debit card is lost or stolen, you have two business days to report it to the bank. This quick response limits your liability for any fraudulent charges to just $50. After that, you could be liable for $500 or the entire amount stolen from your account if it takes you 60 days or more to report your missing card. A missing debit card puts your entire balance at risk—the money you’ve earned and deposited into your checking account. With a credit card, you’re only liable for a maximum of $50 in fraudulent charges once your card goes missing. And it’s your credit limit that’s at risk, not your bank account balance. That doesn’t mean you can’t use your debit card, but be extra protective since your money is at risk if you lose your card. Fortunately, the banking system in Europe is not dramatically different from that of the U.S. Practicing these simple rules for using your debit card while traveling abroad will keep your debit card usable and protect the funds in your bank account. For even more security, consider using a money belt, keeping pockets zipped, and practicing other smart money management habits while traveling.
