Using American bank check card(visa logo on it) to withdraw some Euros in Italy?

Question

Is it good idea to use bank checkcard(Debit Card)to withdraw some cash in Italy and also use as just like a credit card to purchase goods at store? My account is in Bank of America. I use this card just like ATM card and sometimes like a credit card to purchase goods here in America.

Answer 1

My suggestion is to buy a minimum quantity of Euro at yr home and then bring them with you. Our banks or exchange points would quote you a very bad rate to buy Euro,even if you pay them cash.
For all yr extra-expenses you can easily use almost everywhere yr VISA credit card and don't worry about special surcharge or commissions on yr purchases since in the shops nobody will charge you an higher price just because you're paying by a credit card instead of by cash.They'll know only when you're ready to pay how they will get paid and price has been already done.
I've read a previous answer saying you will be overcharged by paying with Visa but this is not true. I repeat you, just a few Euros in yr pocket to pay the smallest things and then you can buy all the rest with yr VISA card without any problem.

Answer 2

Credit cards work fine throughout Europe, although you'll need to pay hefty interest charges (around 18 percent) on your purchases.

Don't count on charging everything with your bank card; many merchants require a minimum purchase of about $30. Visa and MasterCard are more widely accepted than American Express. When you take money out of the ATM you get your banks exchange rate. Your banks exchange rate will alway be better than the exchange rate at a tourist destination.

( I would take out some cash out to pay for expenses you can't pay with a credit card, ie, taxi, bus fare, ect. It's also a good idea to get familiarized with the different currency of the country you are in. That way you don't get ripped off.)

Answer 3

yea, you can totally use it to withdraw cash, but you'll get a better exchange rate if you buy a little something at a grocery store and ask for cashback rather than withdraw from their ATM's. it's better to bring your debit card over there and withdraw, than to carry too much cash around. also, make sure you call bank of america before you leave the country to tell them that you're about to travel. sometimes, if you don't give them advance notice, they will not allow transactions to happen in case your card got stolen.

Answer 4

don't use your checkcard to withdraw euros. the atm will give you a poor exchange rate and charge you a fee from both the drawing and recieving bank. just use it to pay for purchases directly.

Answer 5

its been my experience that the use of a debit card gets you a better exchange rate, you get charged a service fee no matter where you exchange currency

Answer 6

yes! i just got back from italy and i used my debit card and it was just fine. there was no hassle and it's accepted everywhere and the exchange rate is much better.