BOI Laser cards abroad

coconut2674

Howdy,

I'm heading to Tokyo for new years, and all I have is a Bank of Ireland Laser card; does anyone know if this will work in ATM's or machines over there?

I know that BOI are bringing out Visa debit cards, but would it just be easier at this point to grab a visa/mastercard credit card?

Thanks

SVG

Assuming it's your normal ATM card it should work fine but note that the only machines that accept foreign ATM cards are in Post Offices (some foreign cards also work in 7/11 stores). Be sure to bring some cash with you as many places don't accept credit cards.

coconut2674

SVG wrote: »

Assuming it's your normal ATM card it should work fine but note that the only machines that accept foreign ATM cards are in Post Offices (some foreign cards also work in 7/11 stores). Be sure to bring some cash with you as many places don't accept credit cards.

Cool, thanks a million!

Toots

That's not correct, it will only work abroad if there is a Cirrus symbol on the back. Most standard ATM cards don't have this, Laser cards definitely do. Check the back of your card and if it doesn't have the symbol, call your branch and ask for a Laser.

Stinicker

Laser Cards are pretty worthless outside the EU and I have nothing but bad experiences with them. Use a major Credit Card like Visa or Mastercard. I always take a mix of US Dollars and Euro when I go abroad as an emergency backup also. Taking no cash and depending on Laser only = Hotel Cardboard box in Tokyo for the OP.

ardmacha

As a payment card Laser cards are not as useful as a credit card, but I have used one in the US for example, so it is not just a question of EU only. As as ATM card you generally don't have problems, although Japan is somewhat the exception here. Get a Visa card and you can probably pay hotels with this.

geecee

From my experience Citibank ATMS accept foreign ATM cards
Ad they are plentiful all over Japan