Things that make no sense

So yesterday, in an attempt to be ready to go to Italy on the 17th, I called Chase Bank to let them know the dates I would be in Italy (so they wouldn't block my credit card thinking it was being used fraudulently)and to get a PIN number for said credit card so I could use it as an ATM card to buy Euros. Well, silly me. Of course I couldn't get a live person on the line, so I couldn't share the dates. I could access a place to get a PIN number, and the electronic voice told me they would mail it to me, which would take 7 - 10 days.

Step Two. I activate a replacement card for one I've had for 20 some years and which had expired in March. Then, I call customer service and DO get a live person whom I notify of my travel dates. Then I ask for a PIN number and she sends me to an 800 number. I hang up and call the 800 number. When asked to enter the last 4 digits of the card, I do. The electronic message back is that it is an invalid account. Back to customer service person number two. She tells me I should have entered the last 4 digits on the MASTER CARD which accesses the same account. I tell her I haven't activated the Master Card, because I never use it, so why would that account number work. She says it just does. She proceeds to try it. Invalid account. I suggest that maybe it's just because I had only moments before activated my new card. She doesn't think so and tries again. No soap. So....she suggests that they mail me a PIN number, which will take 5 - 7 days. I say thanks, and hang up, figuring that my best bet is to take some Euros with me and then use my ATM Visa card which accesses my checking account at the Federal Credit Union to change money in Italy.

Step Three: I try to buy Euros. I call Ocean Bank in Durham. Do I have an account with them? No. Sorry, they can't sell me Euros. I walk into TD Banknorth in Dover, where I have a $50,000 equity line of credit. Yes, they sell Euros, do I have an account? Yes, I have the above account. Wait a minute, I have to ask my Manager. Gee, no, I'm sorry, you have to have a checking or savings account or we can't sell you Euros. What? I have a $50,000 line of credit and I can't write a check to buy $200.00 worth of Euros? I can write a check for $50,000 to build a new garage, but not a check for Euros.....Sorry ma'am, that's our policy. Would you like to open a checking account?

Step Four: Stop at Citizens Bank, where I am joint owner of a CD with my mother and a signatory on her checking account. May I buy Euros. YES!! Do they have some? NO....it will take 7 - 10 days to order them for me.......But the good news is, the Portsmouth Branch has Euros, but the bad news is, that by the time I drive to Portsmouth, they will be closed.

Fortunately, I did all this Euro shopping after Yoga, so I just did some deep breathing, and drove on home. Monday will be another opportunity to try this again.
OHMMMMMMMMMMM