Belgium Luxembourg and part of France andGermany

mrwolf
mrwolf Forum Participant Posts: 16
edited December 2017 in Overseas Campsites & Touring #1

we are planning a 3 week visit via these countries. We heard that some bank cash points do not accept MasterCard visa debit. We have no problems in Spain or even Shanghai when there so wondered if anyone had information regarding this. We bring xxx amount of cash euros but in an emergency may need to use a cash point.

 

many thanks

Comments

  • eurortraveller
    eurortraveller Club Member Posts: 6,830 ✭✭✭
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    edited December 2017 #2

    It should work, shouldn't it, but it's always worth having a different card from a different bank as a back up. The MoneySavingExpert website has good advice on which cards work well overseas without charging fees.

  • Tammygirl
    Tammygirl Club Member Posts: 7,957 ✭✭✭
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    edited December 2017 #3

    We've not had any problems using our Mastercards in cash machines in the countries you mentioned. However in Germany some shops and campsites are not keen on Credit cards for payment. 

    We tend to carry a mix of Credit cards, debit cards and pre-paid cards, cash is only carried in small amounts.

  • DavidKlyne
    DavidKlyne Club Member Posts: 13,867 ✭✭✭
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    edited December 2017 #4

    I tend to agree with ET that it's a good idea to take both a Visa and a Mastercard with you on your travels abroad. For the last few years I have certainly not had any problems using my Halifax Clarity Card (Mastercard) in either France or Germany using it in ATM's to take out cash. There are still a few issues using credit cards generally in Germany but France has been using for donkeys years. Can't really speak for Belgium or Luxembourg as we have very rarely lingered long enough in either country.

    David

  • KjellNN
    KjellNN Club Member Posts: 8,671 ✭✭✭
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    edited December 2017 #5

    We have not had a problem with cash machines, have used both Mastercard and Visa, and paying with credit cards is mainly OK. 

    We never buy euros before we go, just go to the nearest ATM when we get to our first stop.

    Would agree with David that only Germany may be a problem, but even there is improving.

    We always make sure we have 50-100 euros in cash just in case, and check before filling fuel.

    We use Lidl and Aldi a lot, they all take credit cards now.

    Camp sites are variable, we always check on arrival if they are not displaying any signs.

  • Longtimecaravanner
    Longtimecaravanner Forum Participant Posts: 642
    edited December 2017 #6

    A couple of years ago there were some Australians trying to use a card pump and between them they had four or five cards, none of which would work. In the end they gave me the cash and I used my card for them as they were desperate for fuel. SInce then I have always made sure that I have several options.

  • peedee
    peedee Club Member Posts: 9,389 ✭✭✭
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    edited December 2017 #7

    We tend to carry a mix of Credit cards, debit cards and pre-paid cards, cash is only carried in small amounts.

    We do the same and have always managed to get round any problems we have encounter.

    peedee

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