US credit & debit cards don’t automatially unlock cash advances abroad
No, this isn’t a warning about people spying on and stealing your PIN number, about robbers ready to pounce travelers and their newly obtained cash, or any other common travel warnings. It’s about how US credit cards are out of sync with the rest of the world. I tried using my credit cards to obstain cash from an ATM at Auckland International Airport’ domestic terminal.
First, I tried my American Expess card, my favorite way of getting cash while traveling in other countries. I entered my PIN number and (I thought) pushed all the correct buttons. It didn’t work. Next I tried my Chase Visa card, always my second choice because of the excessive service fee the bank adds to the regular fees.Again, I thought I did everything right, but again, it didn’t work either. Both of my accounts are paid up. It was a puzzlement.
I needed some New Zealand currency. Between us, my husband and I had less than $30, left over from a ski trip to the Queenstown problem charging $100 to my credit card and giving me cash. It seems in New Zealand, and perhaps other countries, a face-to-face transaction rather than the anomomity of an ATM is acceptable. I used it for couple of retail purchases with no difficulty.
In Europe, we have had some resistance to our credit cards because unlike smart cards with embedded chips that prevail elsewhere, US credit and debit cards don’t include this technology. I’ve always managed to get cash when I needed it and make a purchase when I wanted to, but US cards seem to require an extra step.
I’ve had similar issues with getting cash abroad, especially since we tend to climb in remote locations. On our Australia trip, I brought cash with me, which I wore around my neck 24 /7.