Wife is really meticulous about calling each credit card companies whenever we travel overseas to make sure we don't have any problems. So after we get our bags I go to an ATM to get some Euros and the machine says the transaction is blocked and their holding my card. We now have 40 minutes of talking to the local bank (we can't do anything. Call the credit card issuer), calling the issuing bank (Citibank) who in spite of numerous explanations can't figure out we're not in the US, who then put us over to the security department. They tell us that our account had a security block on it (which is the opposite of what Wife asked them to do) and there is nothing they can do to get us a new card. So here is is this international banking organization that has no mechanism for assisting you if they screw up and you are stuck overseas without a card. If anyone knows good site to vent on, let me know.
Fortunately we always have back ups and we got our Euros, got our cab and headed over to #3's flat. Lovely to see the daughter again and meet up with 3.1 aka Munchkin for more than 8 months. It's tough when you have your kids all over the world.
Wife and Munchkin Reacquaint - Sorry for the bad back lighting but it's tough with the big windows in their flat.
Then it was off to the market to get some provisions
#3 went out to interview a new daycare while Wife and Munchkin get to some serious bonding
2 comments:
What a mess with the ATM card. We also had problems in the Netherlands, although I think themachine only ate one of our cards, so after calling them we could get money the next day. My main backup is to travel with other people who have money :)
It looks like a great start to the holiday!
We think we have everything covered too, but who knows. See you soon.
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