Can I use my mastercard or atm card in germany to get euros while there?

Question

have a friend travelling from us to germany want to know, any help would be great

Answer 1

LOL! Yes of course! In fact - you should do that instead of going to a "Currency Exchange" center because those places will charge you a commission and give you a really crappy exchange rate. You are much better off using the ATM's over there because you will get the BEST exchange rate possible that day. Also - I don't recall being charged an "ATM" fee when I got my bank statement the last 7 times I've been there. I know this is scary - but WAIT until you land in the country before getting any Euros. (I'm trying to save you maximum $$ or euros here). After you clear customs, there will be ATMs in the airport before you leave to get a taxi, or train. Use those to get local currencies to get the best rate at not get ripped off. Also, I'd take out about 100-200Euros at MAX to start with. (Thats about $140-240). That way you aren't carring around Massive amounts of cash. Believe it or not - you can use your credit card or debit card just about anywhere now - even to pay for a taxi! (Wish we could do that here!). So, put those Euros in a money belt and save it only for when you can't use your debit or credit card. Also - when using your debit card or credit card - your bank holds the charges until the end of the month - then it picks the one day of that month that had the best exchange rate and applies the charge on that day to give you the best rate. (I remember calling my bank saying: "Hey - I went to the Jungfrau on June1st - not the 30th - the 30th I was in Frankfurt." That's when they explained - the 30th had the best exchange rate - so they held all the charges to get the best rate.)

MasterCard/Visa - I've used both no problem- including them in debit card form. No problems. My Amex card seems so obsolete now that I can use my MC/Visa anywhere in Europe.
Hope that helps you out and saves you a lot of money. Have a great time!

P.S. - The other reason I suggested, when possible - use your debit or credit card is because you cannot REDEPOSIT unused euros back INTO your bank account - even if you have a Citibank account and go to a Citibank over there. (that's the only bad thing). So, you don't want to come home with 400 euros and HAVE to exchange it at one of those Currency convertion places because you'll get ripped off.

Answer 2

Yes, and there are ATM machines all over the place..more than in the U.S. It is one of the best ways to get cash. Get Euros every couple days ..that way you don't have too large an amount of cash on you at any one time.....I recommend the American Express Gold Card but take a couple types in the unlikely event one doesn't work for some reason...If you decide to use a bank, check their hours they are a little different than in the U. S. (they are closed more often). American Express was originally and still is the card for frequent international travelers..and they have really helpful offices all over the world..Have Fun, I know you will have a blast...P.S check with your medical insurance provider about a medical insurance rider or international card..your regular card will not be honored and that is how peeps can get in a real mess, if something should happen..

Answer 3

Germany became utilizing verify playing cards and ATMs years earlier the U.S. sure, they settle for significant U.S. credit playing cards; notwithstanding, some would have themes because U.S. playing cards don't have the equipped-in microchip. by the way, you should have a chip card (euro card, VISA, Euro-draw close card, etc.) to purchase cigarettes out of a gadget. The chip has own documents and verifies your age.

Answer 4

Yup. I do. I have a Bank of America ATM card and I get money out all the time. My mom just wires it to me and I can walk to the bank and get it. It works at all the banks I have tried so far. I can list them but it's probably not gonna be a problem. Dresdner Bank, Deutsche Bank, Commerz Bank, Post Bank, Sparkasse, Berliner Bank, Volks Bank. The only place it didn't work was at the Geld Automat at KaDeWe. ugh.

Answer 5

Yes, I used the ATMs there and I'm from the US. It was very convenient and the exchange rate seemed pretty favorable. I don't remember if I used my mastercard there, but I know others with me did.

Answer 6

I had Visa/Cirrus and did better at finding useful ATM's than husband with mastercard. But Yes, there are places to use both. Most of the time my husband had to use his PIN so if you dont usually use it that way make sure you know it.

Answer 7

Yes, you can - also works on nearly all ATM machines over here as well.
But in most German supermarkets, they only accept debit cards or cash...But, in some stores you also can pay with your Mastercard.

Greetings from Germany

Answer 8

Probably VISA only
Take at least two cards in case the atm eats or breaks your card
also carry extra cash
use a money belt to protect your valuables

Answer 9

Of course you can! Which currency did you think would come out of a German ATM? ;)

Enjoy your trip!

Answer 10

Yep! It'll just ask you what currency you want it in...
Sometimes you'll have to take the U.S. money to a nearby bank and exchange...but they'll all take your money :)