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Post by NewTraveller on Mar 14, 2004 22:31:01 GMT -5
Something I've been wondering for a while..... when u take out $ from a European ATM, does it withdraw european currency or American Dollars?? May sound silly, but this is all learning in progress, lol.
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Post by WillTravel on Mar 14, 2004 22:32:27 GMT -5
You will get the currency of the local country. In most EU countries, that is Euros. But it would be pounds in the UK, Danish kroner in Denmark, etc.
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Post by jennifer on Mar 15, 2004 11:19:28 GMT -5
Yup,you'll get it in the local currency, and your bank will convert it and withdraw your home currency from your account. You normally get a good rate, the rate of the second you withdraw!
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rookie
Senior Travel Member
Posts: 92
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Post by rookie on Mar 15, 2004 14:58:14 GMT -5
Although I've had no problems with European ATMs in the past, I heard tales that ATMs in Ireland won't accept North American bank cards. Is there any truth to this?
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Post by LHR02 on Mar 19, 2004 14:22:47 GMT -5
I never had any problem with the ATM's in Ireland with my American bank card. Worked just fine.
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rookie
Senior Travel Member
Posts: 92
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Post by rookie on Mar 20, 2004 12:45:36 GMT -5
Well I followed up to my question, and I was told that ATMs in stores won't accept North American cards. So I guess the ones on the street should be no problem.
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Post by LHR02 on Mar 20, 2004 13:50:51 GMT -5
well.....I would be ashamed to say just how much shopping I did in Ireland and never had any of the shops have one bit of trouble 'taking my money'. ;D Can I ask, where is the coming from? Just curious as once again, I used my card everywhere in Ireland and had not one problem.
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Post by WillTravel on Mar 20, 2004 15:00:47 GMT -5
I think I get what you are asking about. Are you asking if you can pay directly with a bank card that takes money out of your account? I pay for most of my purchases in Canada with my bank card (Interac), but I don't think I could do that in Europe, although I could take money out of any ATM. There is no problem using credit cards if the store accepts them.
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Post by LHR02 on Mar 20, 2004 15:08:10 GMT -5
WT....I never used my CC in Ireland..or really anywhere overseas. Strictly use my debit/ATM/checking card (pick which word you like for it ;D) Which is why I quesioned where this concern is coming from.....my card that takes the funds straight from my checking account is what I used and never had a problem anywhere at all. And believe me...I did waaayyyy too much shopping! ;D
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rookie
Senior Travel Member
Posts: 92
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Post by rookie on Mar 20, 2004 15:41:21 GMT -5
Hey dustoff, here is where I got my source: www.travelcuts.com/ubb/Forum7/HTML/001477.htmlThe thing is all three posters thought bank cards were tricky in Ireland. One said store debit machines only accepted Irish bank cards with the 'laser option", while another said Ireland doesn't have "Interac" and that queues for ATMs are long. I'm confused. What do they mean by no Interac? And how can there be lineups to use the ATM? What interests me is that this is the consensus between them. |
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Post by Kim on Mar 20, 2004 15:53:32 GMT -5
I used my debit card at the ATM machines to withdraw money all the time - it worked just like everywhere else, don't worry.
DOM - did you pay using your ATM card in stores or did you withdraw money from the machines - this is what seems to be the confusion.
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rookie
Senior Travel Member
Posts: 92
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Post by rookie on Mar 20, 2004 15:56:05 GMT -5
Thanks Kim and dustoffmom, I didn't think there should be a problem, there's no reason for Ireland to differ from the rest of western European countries. I was pretty skeptical reading that thread.
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Post by LHR02 on Mar 20, 2004 17:02:33 GMT -5
I never used 'cash'....I used my debit/ATM/Checking card just as a CC when shopping....or withdrawing...and once again never had a problem from the smallest shop to a big 'store'. This whole topic has me plain befuddled.  I withdrew cash, paid for hotels and tours/trips, bought sweaters, linen, crystal, postcards, phone cards, bus passes, newspapers....all using nothing but my card. I shopped and used my debit card in tiny shops, big stores, small hotels, large hotels, streetside kiosks and bus stations. Never a problem anywhere. I used it in Dublin and the islands, I used it for buses and ferries, I bought newspapers and phone cards.....what? Who is making these allegations and why? This is simply nuts. Why in the world would Ireland's banking system be suspect against all other countires?? This coming from a woman who lists Ireland among my least favorite places....but heavens, they do have 'modern' banking. |
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Post by WillTravel on Mar 20, 2004 17:40:36 GMT -5
dustoffmom, it sounds like your combined CC/debit/ATM card is different than the type of cards Canadians have. At least in my case, my credit card is totally separate from my ATM card. I can get cash advances on my credit cards (at an exorbitant rate). I can go into Safeway and buy groceries with my ATM (Interac) card and get $20 or whatever back if I want it also. But I checked into the matter and determined I wouldn't be able to do that in Europe with my ATM card in stores.
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Post by LHR02 on Mar 20, 2004 17:50:38 GMT -5
well....you may be right in the US vs Canada aspect....but I have credit cards and I have my 'debit' card...one uses money that I am 'charging' at an interest added rate and that I do not necessarily have 'on hand' and the other draws immediately from funds in my checking account which levies no interest charges of any kind as it is my own money currently in my account. It is the latter I used all over Europe, including Ireland for te past 3 years.
And my 'credit cards' are entirely seperate from my debit/ATM card as well...in no way linked together,in fact not even from the same bank/issuer. I remain totally befuddled.
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