Canadian bank card use at UK ATMs

msmess
New Member


msmess

Joined: 05 May 2008
Posts: 2
Location: BC

Posted: Mon May 05, 2008 10:59 am

 

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Will my Canadian bank card with a 4 digit PIN allow me to withdraw money from UK AT M's or do I need one with a UK chip as well as strip to do this?
Also do I need any special provisions for using a MC or Visa from a Canadian bank? thks

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oohmercyme
Moderator



Joined: 21 Mar 2004
Posts: 302
Location: London, England

Posted: Mon May 05, 2008 12:13 pm

 

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YOu can use your bank card here at bankmachines, but not in stores.

There are no restrictions for your credit cards, although you may want to let the company know you will be using it overseas so they don't think it sbeing used fraudulently.
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Lori

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lynndyhop
CanuckAbroad Regular



Joined: 29 Jan 2008
Posts: 57
Location: BC

Posted: Mon May 05, 2008 12:50 pm

 

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To add to what oohmercyme said, you DEFINITELY need to let your bank know.

You can use a Canadian Credit card in stores, by the way. Though, if you are using your credit card you should also let them know too. I traveled to England last year in the summer/fall and phoned both to see if it was even necessary and BOTH said they will automatically cancel your card if they see any out-of-country activity when they have not been notified. (BMO and Mastercard).
_________________
Lynndyhop.

I'm not an American! I am a Canadian. I come from a "nice", thoroughly unrealistic country.

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msmess
New Member


msmess

Joined: 05 May 2008
Posts: 2
Location: BC

Posted: Mon May 05, 2008 1:00 pm

 

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Thanks that helps a lot

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Steven
CanuckAbroad VIP



Joined: 28 Sep 2007
Posts: 496
Location: Calgary

Posted: Mon May 05, 2008 9:48 pm

 

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It depends on the bank and the shop you use your credit card in, because different banks use different agencies, the mastercard and visa networks are huge and interconnected and each step of the process needs to know that you're okay to spend money in the UK. So the first thing to do is to contact whomever issued your credit card and tell them you will be using it in the UK.

You can use your card in ATMs, but I would strongly advise against it as the exchange rate they give you is rubbish. This is always the problem with using cards overseas. Mind you the bank rate for exchange in Canada to get cash before you go is also rubbish. No simple solution for short visits to foreign countries with small amounts of money, but shop around before you go.

And hey, look on the bright side, Canada is finally entering the late 20th century as the chips will be on Canadian ATM and credit cards soon. Woohoo!
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Steve.

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