I know this was asked a page or two ago, but will answer anyway!
My visa debit card is with Barclays uk and it has always been visa not electron and have had this particular account for 6/7 years now. My offshore account (Barclays International) is still electron but I haven't used that account in years.
It may even be worth just asking your bank if they can change the card with your current account to a visa, that would solve a few issues
