Using my American Debit Card in El Salvador?

Question

Can I take my Debit Card on my Vacation and be able to use it without a problem?

I have a Credit Union as a Bank.



(I live in Maryland)

Will there be international fees? How much are the fees??

What about if I just use it as Credit, not debit?

Answer 1

I have used my debit card in El Salvador many times with no trouble. Typically any debit card with the Star or Plus logo on the back will work internationally.
Crime can be an issue, be careful and alert.
Two things I have found with foreign ATMs: Some will not recognize a PIN that is longer than 4 digits and many do not have the letters printed on the entry pad. So if you use a word for your PIN make sure you know what numbers correspond.

Answer 2

If your debit card has, for example, the Maestro (Master Card) or Visa logo on it you can use it in most places where credit cards are accepted around the world.

However, in using a debit card you are sacrificing many of the legal protections that credit card users get. Find out if your household insurance or your travel insurance policy protects you against fraud.

Also bear in mind that your credit union might charge you fees if you unexpectedly run into the red (because of exchange rates, uncollected funds from direct deposits held over a weekend or lost in transmission, and so on). Overseas your debit card will (usually) be used as a check card and not as a true debit card -- and this is true whether or not you are asked for a PIN.

Also watch out for PIN fraud. There has been a spate of tampering with point of sale equipment, and Shell had to withdraw and replace ALL its units in England because the PINs were being intercepted by thieves.

My credit union charges me a 1% fee on overseas use of the debit card, whether for cash withdrawal or purchases. As far as I can tell it imposes no loading charge on foreign exchange conversion. Most credit cards add 1-1/2 to 2-1/2%. (Nationwide Building Society in England famously charges nothing at all.)

Answer 3

as long as it is a Visa/MasterCard backed debit card...and they accept those in El Salvador you should be ok....my husband used his Visa backed debit card here in the states and it was a UK account

Answer 4

I took mine to Europe twice. There are international fee's from what I remember, but I used it, no problem.

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To know the exact fees that will be added you need to call your bank and ask them.

Answer 5

I have had no problems using mine in Mexico

Answer 6

You can but I do not think it's a good idea.

I'm in DC, and you're sexy!