UAE Bank Cards in Israel
Jan 7, 2014, 12:12 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Dubai
Posts: 3,301
UAE Bank Cards in Israel
I know this sounds perfectly obvious in hindsight, but none of my UAE bank (credit & debit) cards worked on my trip to Israel last week!
I've used my HSBC Visa & Mastercards in places such as Vietnam, Kyrgyzstan, Tanzania etc. so I guess I was lulled into thinking they would work in a modern, first world country such as Israel (but foolishly not considering the political situation
).
The receptionist at the hotel where I was staying said that it happens quite often, with expats from the UAE only finding out when their cards are declined when they try to use them
.
Anyway, just a bit of a warning to anyone in a similar situation who doesn't think ahead like me
.
I've used my HSBC Visa & Mastercards in places such as Vietnam, Kyrgyzstan, Tanzania etc. so I guess I was lulled into thinking they would work in a modern, first world country such as Israel (but foolishly not considering the political situation
).The receptionist at the hotel where I was staying said that it happens quite often, with expats from the UAE only finding out when their cards are declined when they try to use them
.Anyway, just a bit of a warning to anyone in a similar situation who doesn't think ahead like me
.
Jan 7, 2014, 4:29 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Dubai
Posts: 3,301
All cards worked ok the previous day in Jordan too.
Jan 8, 2014, 6:12 am
#6
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 377
Everyone appears to assume that it is the ATM's fault ......
We know that the ATMs can identify the card, but can a card identify the ATM ?
We know that the ATMs can identify the card, but can a card identify the ATM ?
Last edited by mbgg; Jan 8, 2014 at 10:52 am Reason: Point taken - I have corrected my post accordingly.
Jan 8, 2014, 10:15 am
#9
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: SEA (previous locations: DTW, TLV, EWR, BOS)
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Posts: 3,383
I've often had coworkers visit from UAE, and they did not have any issues with their UAE-issued cards (when checking out at hotels, taxi from airport, etc).
YMMV, I suppose...
YMMV, I suppose...
Aug 10, 2014, 1:42 am
#11
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: HaMerkaz/Exit 145
Programs: UA, LY, BA, AA
Posts: 13,167
Welcome to FT flygirl88!
You used a UAE debit card successfully in Israel?
You were denied a financial transaction, and your bank specifically said it was because you used your card in Israel? Or were you trying to transfer money to Israel?
You used a UAE debit card successfully in Israel?
You were denied a financial transaction, and your bank specifically said it was because you used your card in Israel? Or were you trying to transfer money to Israel?
Aug 10, 2014, 5:40 am
#12
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Cairo, Egypt
Programs: Qatar Plat
Posts: 235
Not sure if this is applicable to your Israel example but it's usually a good idea to notify your credit card compnay if you'll be traveling internationally, they'll make a note to not lock your card. My card has been locked before in numerous countries due to automated anit-fraud measures that monitor unusual transactions.