shopping in supermarkets safely in the Czech Republic and Hungary

I spent 5 or 6 weeks in those countries last summer, using credit cards for most purchases over about $10. I had no issues whatsoever. I've used credit cards hundreds of times in Europe since May 2015, and the only problems I've had were one pickpocketing incident (I was very careless) and multiple occasions when I managed to leave a card behind.

In Europe these days, the credit card is not likely to be more than a few inches from your hand, so it's hard for something to happen unless you walk away from the card (as I have a tendency to do, alas).

I would make sure your credit card companies know you are traveling and make sure you know any foreign transaction fees. Pay in Euros NOT USD. I would have no hesitation in using credit cards in the Czech Republic and Hungary. I would probably like to make sure the card is in my sight as I do in all countries including the U.S.

who warned you? I spend about 30 days a year in the Czech republic, have used my debit or credit card many times without any problem. My only advice would be to check what charges your bank may put on your cards before using them .

What was the concern you were warned about? Theft of the card? Fees? Overcharging? I would not hesitate to use a no-fee credit card in these countries (or anywhere in Europe). Just alert the card issuer you will be traveling and take common sense precautions like anywhere else.

Of course you can use cash if you prefer. Personally I feel less safe carrying large sums of cash so use credit cards whenever I can for larger purchases.

I have used both my credit card and debit card numerous times in Czech grocery stores without issues. Check with your bank about their fees before you go. I use my debit card from my credit union bank, they have fewer fees for use.

Finally someone spending enough time to really see these places. Dont be afraid of using the ATM either.

Linda, as others have mentioned it is completely safe to use your cards in these countries (using the normal precautions). However, I have noticed American travellers having trouble with their cards at some machines (and so many grocery stores have self checkout machines now). I've never had a problem with my Canadian cards but the American friends I've travelled with seemed to have cards without chips or at least chips that were incompatible. But this issues applies cross all of Europe, not just in these Central European countries. Definitely something to confirm with your bank or credit card issuer before you leave.

Well I live here so I'm using a contactless debit card most of the time. But of the advice above I say:
1) Yes, very easy to leave a card behind by mistake.
2) Pay in the currency of the card if you prefer but if you elect to pay in CZK then do NOT accept the conversion which will be a worse rate than your card.
3) If the cost comes to less than CZK200 then it's better to pay cash so keep some handy. I recommend using Raiffeisen bank ATM's as you can usually choose the denominations of the notes.
4) Euros may be accepted but the rate is poor and your change will be in CZK.
And just to note that if you buy milk then "polotucne" is half fat and "plnotucne" is full fat.

I never had problem using credit card, debit card or ATM anywhere in Europe. Pay always in local currency so in this case either Czech crowns in C.R. or forints in Hungary. Pay with Euro only in countries which use Euro. Every time you use other currency than local they are taking you for a ride.

Ilka, they aren't taking you for a ride. They are providing a convenience service for a charge.

"...warned against doing this in these countries." Forget the warnings. Whenever I choose to use a credit card in Europe, I don't have any concerns at all.

Who warned you? What specifically were the warnings?

Using your credit card to buy groceries or other items in these countries is no different than doing so at home. Make sure you have a credit card that does not charge foreign fees and you will pay no more than the stated price for anything. And inform the card issuer of where and when you will be in these countries so that they don't cut you off for suspected fraud when transactions suddenly start arriving from Europe.

I would not use my debit card. Not anything specifically about these countries, I just don't make purchases with a debit card. If your card happens to get compromised, if you used a credit card it is the bank's money that goes missing and they will work to get it back. If it is your debit card, then it is your money that disappears and the banks have no real incentive to recover it. Most will, but they take their time.

The only thing that would concern me would be if any Hungarian supermarkets still have any warning signs about a "strong magnet" near the cash register. Keep your wallet far away from those - they demagnetized my debit card in 1996.

If you are worried about an ATM card being compromised, you can reduce your exposure by limiting how much you have in that account. I just use my mobile app to move money from a savings to keep the account low. But you have to turn off any overdraft protection.

I used a credit card to buy groceries and clothing in Paris at Monoprix. in the late 1990s and in the 21st century. Some asked for my US passport, some did not. ...the result was the same, the transaction went through.