Can you use an ATM card anywhere in the world?

Question

I'm going to Europe soon, London, Dublin, Paris, and Rome to be exact, and aside from the cab fare/metro fare money that I need once I arrive, I was told its better to exchange currency once you get into your arrival city because I'll get a better rate...
and someone said to withdraw money from the ATM machine. Does this work? I have the Cirrus emblem on the back of my card is this a worldwide embem?

Thanks Laura, you'll get my 10 points
:-)

Answer 1

you can use a cirrus card worldwide. You'll be charged whatever your bank charges as a fee and whatever the local ATM charges so be aware of that, as well as currency exchange fees sometimes. So check with your bank. But it's the best way to exchange money. That's what I've always done when I've gone abroad. Best rates, no carrying around tons of money, no dealing with traveler's checks. Have a good trip!

I believe what the answerer below me is saying is that a lot of places in europe don't take a credit/debit card as payment. I did find this to be true compared to the US where we charge everything. But you'll still find tons of ATMs where you're able to get cash out. And it's still the best way to exchange money in my opinion.

Answer 2

I've used my ATM in London, Paris and Rome with no problem. The fees my bank charged wasn't as much as I used to have to pay for traveler's checks years ago, and the rates were way better than going to currency exchanges. I have star, but I'd be surprised if cirrus would't work just as well. Have a good trip!

Answer 3

Yes it should. If your atm has a Maestro symbol it will work at merchants that take those cards.

Germany does take debit cards but your card must have the maestro symbol to work and enter your pin. Only a few places take Credit Card in Germany. Choose Current or checking account if asked.

If your card also has either a MasterCard or Visa symbol it will work at merchants that take those cards. Take you passport & ID. The reason is because Europe has switched to chip and pin. So you will need to tell them you are a travel and your country does not have chip and pin. You will need to sign for it. However, if your card has a Maestro symbol on it, it should work as a pin purchase. You would choose current or checking account.

Let your bank know that you will be traveling to different countries and cities. This is so your card will not get blocked.

Answer 4

Generally the atm cards have a affiliate logo on back like Star, Maestro or Cirrus. If this logo is there it generally menas the atm card will work anywhere in the world. For more information on offshore easy to obtain ATM cards go here:
http://www.panamalaw.org/anonymous_mastercard.html

Answer 5

The ones that work the best are the debit cards that are either Visa or MasterCard. Otherwise you spend time looking for ATM's that take the Cirrus emblem.

Answer 6

you have to ask your bank i used to actually use my bank card at certain atms all over the world. i was baffled that it worked but i lived for many months off of just a bank card :P

Answer 7

Alot of my family lives in Germany and there you cannot use you a debit or ATM card, cash is all they can use. I don't know about the places you are visiting, but to be on the safe side I would get cash or travelers checks.

Answer 8

Hey...I lived in Germany for 3 years and visited several European countries. Yes, at the ATM machines there, you can use your ATM card. Mine worked well.

Answer 9

yes it will work?