Further to this.....the problem with using your debit card in stores in the US is the fact that we don't have true debit cards per say, they are all checking cards. (or as they say here.....fake VISA or fake Mastercards!)
The difference is that a checking card works in principal like the debit (funds come right out of your account) but the transaction is processed like a credit card - you have to sign a piece of paper instead of punching in your PIN number.
Some of the stores here (
Walmart) have the key pads like you do in Canada as they don't require you to sign anything, just put in your PIN number.
The problem friends from Canada encounter, however is the fact that even though you just punch in your PIN at Walmart, the machine will never give you the option of saying which account your funds are coming from (ie. Cheque or Savings) and therefore it won't process. DutchsMommy may have solved this with "Maestro" on the back. However, be prepared at stores in case you debit card doesn't work.
You shouldn't have any problems with cash machines, as most are linked to the appropriate networks. I have found that the machines at banks charge less service charge, and the independant ones like at Wilderness lodge and at Malls charge upwards of $3.50. Put it this way, they put these machines where you really need the cash, and service charge you accordingly.
Personally, I hate the checking cards and wish the US would go to the true debit cards.
My first experience with this was as the DS - I was waiting for the CM to hand me the key pad to punch in my PIN, and she was waiting for me to sign the slip.......I think she thought I just arrived FROM another planet.......hummm
......Ontario vs. Georgia.......I think I just arrived AT another planet.....
We learned this our the hard way, called our bank and then realized we just had to go to another machine
