Chip and Pin Prepaid Cards

The chip and pin problem is over rated. Most places and certainly all ATMs take good, old fashion, American mag strip cards. Historically the prepaid cards have come with high fees and/or poor exchange rates especially the Travelex card. But some of the fees are changing so read the fine print carefully so that you understand the total fee structure of the prepaid card. They are not regulated the same way as credit and debit cards so that the same disclosure rules do not apply. A debit card at an ATM is the cheapest and most convenient way to obtain local currency even with some of the fees that debit cards access. A bring a lot of cash in Euro may not be wise either unless you can get is very cheap in the US.

Hoot, We have just returned from Paris and then spent 5 weeks driving all over France and we never needed a chip and pin credit card. We only used our American visa and mastercards and we used our ATM cards to get cash. We used the autoroutes all over France and never needed a chip and pin card either.When the autoroutes are manned we had a bag full or euros and used that and the ones that were unmanned we used euro coins also as well as bills. You will get change and a receipt. It is very easy. In Paris we never needed one either as we never saw an unmanned booth to get metro tickets. We never had a problem at gas stations as we paid cash. We even used gas stations in the countryside and they usually were attached to a bar and you could pay cash .Also the big Auchan stores or big supermarches have windows where you can pay. If they are unmanned you can go in the store. If you are driving just think about gas ahead of time and if you are afraid ask your hotel or gite where to get gas. We found all the French helpful and kind. We have spend 20 years driving around the French countryside and love it . Have a wonderful time and send me a PM if you have questions.

Pre-paid cards can be purchased at currency exchange desks in France....like at the airports or train stations. Having said that, magnetic strip cards will work at any merchant that deals with tourists on a regular basis.

Thank you for the replies, that helps to put my mind at ease. As for finding Euros in the US, AAA where we live sells Euros at a fair exchange plus a 2% fee for non-members. So we are planning on buying some Euros here before we leave and then using debit/credit over there.

Just how much higher than the international bank rate is the "fair exchange" rate from AAA. A couple of years ago when I checked with AAA they were getting about 8% for their money. That is a fairly typical rate for most banks and money exchanges. There are exceptions and credit union but be sure you understand exchange rates.

Many people prefer to bring some euros with them as a peace of mind. Say 100-200 euro. But get additional cash from ATM with your ATM card. Be sure to notify your bank and confirm what fees they may charge you (European banks will not charge a fee for using their ATM). Often your bank will increase the daily withdrawl limit to make it easier to get lots of cash each time (and therefore limit your fees). That is almost always the cheapest way to get cash. The only reason to have a chip and pin card is if you will be doing lots of driving and need to use automated toll booths and gas stations.

Capitol One online bank account (not the credit card). No fees, free ATM card. Did I mention no fees?

I see that Chase is coming out with a chip -and -pin card: http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/technology/chase-rolls-out-credit-card-with-chip-technology-for-travelers/2011/11/21/gIQADwtQhN_story.html I'll bet others will follow soon.

Chase has has that chip & pin card available for about a year now: http://tinyurl.com/3shj3mb