I will be taking a trip with my school in June to Madrid and Barcelona, and was wondering if my American credit card will work there. My teacher who is coming with us said something about some credit cards requiring some type of number when used in Europe.....???
Other - Spain - 4 Answers
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1 :
Check with your bank if your Visa card is valid abroad, normally they are but in the past there were some varieties that had restrictions, basically debit cards, not credit cards. The number is just your pin code, the same one you use when taking out money, sometimes you're asked to use it in the stores, in their machines. It's always risky and normally you can say it's not needed, they press ok and it will be enough with your id. I never give my pin code in stores, I prefer to pay cash in that case, especially in small places, not in big stores like El Corte Inglés, where it's safe.
2 :
Of course it will! Any place that accepts Visa, and most places that accept cards will. Ummm. ATM cards need a special number, sometimes. I think they have 5 digit codes over there? yes, call your bank. IF you have an ATM card, make sure that you can use it, that you have correct codes, that they know you will be using it abroad and the dates, so they don't think someone has stolen it from you. Special number? Your 16 digit account number works there, too. Here's the thing: You know that the money there is different...they use Euros. (duh, right?) And that has to be converted into dollars. They charge a fee for that. Most cards charge between 1 - 3% for the service. You would pay that no matter how you get your Euros. It's cheaper to do it through your credit card/atm card...cause there's one less fee involved, and if you have to pay 1%, it's better than the 3% you have to pay to do it with a traveler's check or more if you do cash. BTW, they constantly asked me for ID, as well. Keep your driver's license and/or Passport handy. You should, anyway.
3 :
Yes, they will work. However you will need to have a 4-digit transaction number to either get cash at an ATM or to pay. Some U.S. cards will not work in Europe since the system anticipates misuse. Get it contact with your local bank and tell them that you are planning to travel overseas to have your credit/ATM card changed accordingly..
4 :
NOOOO ! Never assume! I am a Spanish teacher, used to live in Spain and now take kids on overses trips. When students dont listen to my advice, they can't get money and they have problems. IF a store has a sign that says they take Visa, its only the ones on the intl network. To know if it will work on that system and in the ATM machines.... turn the card over.... IF it has a CIRRUS network logo, then it will work. Otherwise, no, it will not. Just because it works in ATM machines here, does not mean it will work in Spain ATM machines. I had a student last year that did not listen and she had no spending $$ for the whole trip. And YES you should definately tell the bank that you are traveling, where you are going, and what dates. Otherwise they may flag your purchases as suspicious, think your card # was stolen and freeze your card. Hope this was helpful.
