I need a Atm card for my europe trip. What bank/enterprise should i get? visa? MC? Amex? a global card?I need the cheapest option that is avaliable, which lets me put money into an account, allows me to use ATM's in europe with the cheapest conversion rate and i can use my card like a credit card (but it is prepaid, of sorts.) i have all the money that i need for my trip, but i do not want to overspend by... |
You can go to any of your local banks....Key BAnk, US Bank, Washington Mutual...etc.
If your american debit card has a Visa logo you should be able to use it in europe (at any ATM that says: PLUS)....any of the credit cards you mentioned are also accepted in Europe. There would be no need for prepaids unless you want to set a limit on yourself on how much to spend. A credit card would be wise in case of trouble....but like i said again...any debit card with a Visa logo should work. You can always call your bank and they will give you the correct information.
I'd suggest a travel card. They offer the features of a normal prepaid debit card as well as additional services like helping you with lost passports, finding doctors where you're travelling etc.
Take a look at the Amex card. AAA also has a card - not sure if you need to be a member for that.
Prepaid card forum has reviews of a few travel cards.
Can't advise which bank to use. Can tell you that Visa and MC are more or less accepted at all ATM's in Europe. Personally when travelling in Europe I use a card that has "Cirrus" symbol which allows me to draw straight from my Home Bank Account, again most ATM's accept this. Sorry can't help more, have a great trip.
The global Card is ALL OVER THE PLACE HERE. I've been living in Amsterdam for eight years, and yes, it's nice! The bank LaSalle is a sister bank to the dutch equivalent ABN AMRO. Transactions seem to be the cheapest when your US bank has an associate in Europe. The ABN AMRO is everywhere, along with Global Card.
Hope this helps!
