Using a debit card abroad

You can use our debit cards to make payments and withdraw cash almost everywhere in the world.

Making payments and withdrawing money abroad

Depending on which debit card you have, the standard setting enables you to make payments and withdraw money throughout Europe or around the world.

Which debit card do you have?

Configuring your debit card for use outside Europe

Your debit card’s standard setting enables use within Europe. If you’d like to use your card outside Europe, you can change the setting.

Configure your debit card for use outside Europe

Debit card abroad

Whether you are paying in foreign currency or in euros, you can pay quickly and easily at any in-store payment terminal.

Fees for paying abroad

You do not pay extra fees when you use your debit card to pay in euros abroad. Paying with your debit card in foreign currency? We charge an exchange rate surcharge of 1.4% per payment.

Payment terminal limits abroad

Abroad, you can use your debit card to pay up to €5,000 per week. With a Rabo Youth Account, the limit is €1,250 per week.

Discover more about changing your card limit.

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Extra tips for payments abroad

Do not hand over your debit card or credit card when making a payment.

In countries outside the eurozone, payment terminals may ask you to choose between paying in euros or the local currency. It’s often cheaper to pay in the local currency of the country you’re in, rather than in euros.

Ordering foreign currency in advance in the Netherlands is also more expensive.

FAQ

Your debit card is likely not set for use outside Europe. Set your card for use outside Europe right away.

Your card may also not work because of one of the reasons below:

You have not activated your new debit card.

Your account balance is too low.

You reached your daily limit for withdrawals or payments.

The magnetic strip or chip on your card has a fault.

The ATM does not show the Maestro, Mastercard or Visa logo.

Your card is blocked because an incorrect PIN code was entered three times.

If you’re unable to find the answer on your own, please contact us.

Set your debit card for use outside Europe now

Activate your debit card now

Yes, this is possible. If you want to configure your child’s debit card for use outside Europe, you can do this quickly in the app or online. This is how you do it:

Open the Rabo App or log in to Rabo Online Banking
Go to ‘Settings’
Select ‘Access, security and privacy’
Click on ‘Banking with your child’
Change your child’s account settings so that the bank card can be use outside Europe

Yes. The Rabo App and Rabo Online Banking work anywhere in the world. You only need a secure internet connection and your debit card. You may also need your Rabo Scanner.

Make sure your internet connection is secure

For your security, do not use public Wi‑Fi in places like cafés, hotels or airports. These networks are not secure. When you use them, criminals can more easily access your device and steal your personal data. This increases the risk of misuse.

ATMs abroad often work differently from ATMs in the Netherlands. The steps below show what to expect and what to pay attention to.

How to spot an ATM

You can identify an ATM by the letters ATM shown on or above the machine.

Choose your language

Most ATMs abroad offer language options. You often see this through a row of flags or the word Languages. Select the language you prefer.

Choose the right account

Many ATMs abroad show three options: Savings account, Checking account (or Current account) and Credit account.

To take out cash, choose Checking account or Current account. The other options do not work.

With or without conversion

If you withdraw money in a currency other than the euro, the ATM may ask whether you want to withdraw with conversion or without conversion.

With conversion
The bank that owns the ATM sets the exchange rate. This rate almost always benefits the bank, not the account holder.

Without conversion
Mastercard or Visa sets the exchange rate. This rate is almost always better for you.

Choose without conversion to avoid extra costs. The same applies when you pay in a foreign currency: choosing the local currency gives you the most favorable rate.