The use of the electronic money within the EU

Debit and credit cards

At present, the use of debit and credit cards abroad is more and more frequent, regarding, in particular, bank cards connected with the most common international circuits (VISA, CIRRUS-MAESTRO, AMERICAN EXPRESS, DINER’S, ecc.).

Prepaid cards can also be used abroad, but there may be some difficulties, due to safety reasons.

Moreover, you might have some inconvenience using your credit card in less developed Countries or in small centres.

In any case, authorized banks, hotels and shops usually show a tag on their windows, so consumers can be sure that in such places payments and withdrawal by international credit card will be accepted.

Every card has daily and monthly limits of money withdrawal. Frequently, banks establish a double limit: the first for purchases by credit card and the second for money withdrawal from a cashpoint.

Therefore, before leaving your Country it is important to be well informed.

Commission

The amount charged for cashpoint operations abroad is different from the one paid in one’s home Country and usually consists of a fixed tax plus a percentage on the sum withdrawn.

In case of stay in a Country outside the euro zone, besides the commission it is important to know that the price of each item depends on the exchange rate adopted.

Furthermore, commission depends on whether you use a debit or a credit card. For money withdrawal from cashpoints it is more convenient to use a debit card, whilst for purchases a credit card is preferable.

Benefits

Almost every card offer some benefit, such as insurance or assistance in case of both sickness and baggage loss, so it is important to be well informed.

In case of card loss or theft, you must immediately block your card, in order to avoid fraudulent withdrawals.

Assistance and card block

When you are abroad you cannot call the bank free-phone number, so before leaving your Country you should ask your bank for a valid information and emergencies number, which may depend on the place of stay.

In the case of card loss, you must ask the bank customers service for the card block number and the exact time the card was blocked. This, in order to be able to immediately report the theft to local police authorities. You must also report the theft to your bank at home. If you need any assistance or information you can contact your home Country Consulate or Embassy or look up Italian banks representative offices.

In case of dispute, you can first turn to the Complaints Office of the bank, then to the Bank Ombudsman or, finally, take legal proceedings.