Going to Europe for the first time

[unc70]

6. Your cards may not work in all ATMs

Because of banking networks and other reasons, some ATMs may not be compatible with your cards. Can be very frustrating when that happens. For example, an ATM in the baggage area of the Venice airport seems not to work with lots of cards, but does with some. Over the years, I have watched lines of frustrated travelers try to solve that puzzle.

Be sure to contact your bank before you travel to alert them to your destinations. Otherwise their anti-fraud systems might disable you cards while you are traveling. A real mess. Also, you need to use 4-digit PINs only.

I would mostly use credit cards for purchases, lodging, etc. and only use debit cards to get cash. This reduces the amount of cash at risk in your cash or checking account.

I also usually get $200-400 in euros from my credit union pre trip. My exchange rate is very low through them.