NOTIFY YOUR BANK BEFORE YOU LEAVE FOLKS

[Anniesantiago]

If you are leaving from the United States, you will be smart to call your bank and notify them that you are taking a European vacation about a week before you go (or even earlier.)

We met SEVERAL people whose ATM cards suddenly quit working because their bank assumed the card had been stolen when they suddenly began getting withdrawals and purchases from Europe. It's easy enough to fix with a phone call, if you can find a phone! But MUCH easier if you just remember to alert the bank before you go. It will save you some grief stuck in a small village with no cash!

 

[Trudy]

A couple of years ago I came across pilgrims with the same problem. Luckily their family was able to send funds through Western Union.

Another thing to remember is that most European ATMs require a 4 digit PIN, and most have numeric keypads only, not alphanumeric. So if you remember your PIN as a word, it might be a good idea to memorise the numeric alternative as well.

Trudy