+1!!

I've used mine all over Canada (of course), Australia, England, France, and the US. (Oddly, though, being able to pay by debit card in stores in the US isn't as common as it is in other countries ... not sure why.)

Just a couple additional comments to the OP (or others who are travelling to other countries) ...

I don't know how helpful your bank will be with regard to all this (ask them!!), but when you get your debit card, if you flip it over you'll see a variety of symbols. One will be three triangles and the word PLUS. Another will be Interac with a hand holding a card. If your card has either of those symbols (but especially the PLUS one), you will likely be able to use the card just about anywhere. ATMs will have either of those symbols (and possibly some others) on them. If the symbols on your card match the symbols on the ATM machine, you're in business!

Also, if you opt to use a credit card, go into your bank, sit down with someone there who handles the credit card info, and tell them, generally, about your travel plans. Let them know that it will be OK if there are purchases made in Canada (or whatever other countries you are going to) between this date and that date.

I have done that before all my trips. That way your credit card company (or your bank) won't get excited if there are suddenly several purchases made in a country you've never been to before, and won't cancel your card on you. That way too ... if (heaven forbid) it happens that your card gets stolen and the thief continues to make purchases on your card in the country you visited after you're back, your credit card company (or your bank) will get excited and will cancel the card.

It's good to get your bank on your side.