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

Extra tips for making payments abroad

Never hand someone else your debit card or credit card when making a payment.

If you’re in a country where the euro is not the currency, card readers let you choose between euros and the country’s national currency. It often works out better to pay in the currency of the country where you are than in euros.

Ordering foreign currency in the Netherlands before you travel is also more expensive.

Frequently asked questions

There’s a good chance that your debit card hasn’t been configured for use outside Europe yet. Configure your debit card for use outside Europe. You can do this immediately.

Your problem with your card might also be due to one of the following:

You haven’t activated your new debit card yet

Your account balance is insufficient

You’ve reached your debit card’s maximum daily limit for withdrawals or payments

There’s a problem with your debit card’s magnetic strip or chip

The ATM doesn’t display a Maestro, Mastercard or Visa logo

Your debit card has been blocked because an incorrect PIN code was entered three times

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

Configure your debit card for use outside Europe now Activate your debit card 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 Internet 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

The Rabo App and Rabo Internet Banking work wherever you are in the world. You need a secure internet connection, as well as your debit card and, if necessary, a Rabo Scanner.

Make sure you have a secure internet connection

For the sake of your security, we advise you not to use a public Wi-Fi network, such as a network in a café, hotel or at the airport, for online banking. Such networks are unsecured. If you log in to a network of that kind, you’re more likely to fall victim to misuse. This is because it’s easier for criminals to access to your device and steal your personal data when you use an unsecured network.

ATMs situated abroad work in a slightly different way from ATMs located in the Netherlands. To help you, we explain below what you should expect and what you need to look out for.

How to spot an ATM

You can spot an ATM abroad because the letters ATM are usually displayed on or above it.

Language

In many cases, the ATM will offer various language options. These are often indicated by a picture showing various flags or the word ‘Languages’. Click to select the language you want.

Checking, savings or credit account

Many ATMs abroad offer you the following options:

Savings account, checking account (or current account), and credit account.

To withdraw cash, select ‘Checking account’ (or ‘Current account’). The other options won’t work.

With or without conversion

If you make a withdrawal in a currency other than the euro, you’ll also be offered the choice of withdrawing money ‘with’ or ‘without conversion’.

‘With conversion’ means that the bank operating the ATM you withdraw the money from determines the exchange rate. This exchange rate is almost always favorable for the bank and unfavorable for you as the account holder.

‘Without conversion’ means that the exchange rate is determined by Mastercard or Visa. This is always more favorable for you.

It’s therefore always better to withdraw money ‘without conversion’. This will help you avoid additional costs. When you make a payment in a currency other than the euro, the same situation applies.

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Our Bank

Help

Using a debit card abroad

Making payments and withdrawing money abroad

Configuring your debit card for use outside Europe

Extra tips for making payments abroad

Frequently asked questions

I’m currently abroad and can’t withdraw any cash. What do I need to do?

My child has a Rabo Youth Account and I want to configure my child’s debit card for use outside Europe. Is that possible?

Does online banking still work when I’m not in the Netherlands?

How do I withdraw money abroad?

Further reading

Using your credit card abroad (dutch)

Changing your debit card limit

Unblocking your debit card (Dutch)