Originally Posted by themicah
Do you really not have a debit card? If you have an ATM card with a Visa or MC logo on it, I'm pretty sure you have a debit card. And if your ATM card doesn't have a Visa or MC logo on it, I'm not quite sure how you use it overseas, since most non-Visa/MC ATM cards are essentially useless once you leave North America.
You do not need a debit card to use the worldwide ATM system; however, you will probably want to carry an ATM card that is affiliated with the two major ATM networks: Plus and Cirrus. Citi ATMs are part of the Cirrus network, and I have never had any difficulty withdrawing currency from ATMs in EU countries as most ATMs are affiliated with Cirrus, Plus or both. I believe that all VI and MC cards are automatically linked to Plus or Cirrus, respectively, so debit card holders need not worry about whether they can find ATMs outside the US.
BTW, I do not have a debit card. Citi sent me one a few years ago and it was promptly incinerated. I have no desire or incentive to carry an MC linked to my checking account which could be quickly drained if the card number falls into the wrong hands.