If you're an American traveling through one of the countries that uses the Euro, you'll need to get some Euros to pay for some of your expenses. It's relatively easy to use a debit card to get Euros. While you are often charged a foreign ATM fee in addition to a currency exchange fee, using European ATMs is still the cheapest way to get Euros.
Talk to your bank before you go to Europe. You'll want your bank to confirm that you can use your debit card overseas before you get there. There are a few types of cards that you cannot use in Europe. If these types of card, your bank can help you to exchange your card. You'll also want the bank to be aware that you'll be withdrawing money in Europe, as some banks will freeze your account if they think there's a possibility of fraud.
Change to a four digit PIN code. Some European ATM machines will not accept PIN codes that are longer than four digits. It will make your travels easier if your PIN only has four numbers.
Match the logos on your debit card with an ATM machine. ATMs display the symbols of the cards that they support. For example, your card may have a Visa, MasterCard, Cirrus or Star logo. Check both the front and back of the card for logos. You'll have to use an ATM that features your card's logo.
Insert the card into the ATM machine. Look at the diagram on the machine that shows the proper way to insert the card and make sure you insert your card that way.
Follow the instructions on the screen for withdrawing money.
