I recently returned from a five week trip in France. I am finding that more and more places require a credit card with a chip and cash wasn't an option in a few places. I have managed to get around this so far, but I see it becoming a bigger and bigger problem. Does anyone have a solution?
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32349 posts
Tom,
I was also in France recently, and found that the "chip cards" are becoming much more prevalent. In some cases (automated ticket machines) these are the only type of card that's accepted.
I knew this might be an issue, so arranged to get a "chip" Visa card from my Bank before the trip. That proved to be a really good idea, as there were a few cases where I needed it.
I normally use a Credit Union debit card for ATM withdrawals, but I won't be able to get a "chip" debit card for a few months, as they won't be rolling them out until next year.
I suspect in the short term, cards will be issued with both the chip and a magnetic strip, but I'm wondering how much longer the magnetic strip will be used?
Cheers!
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9110 posts
This is a topic discussed quite a bit on the board. The only US credit card that offers chip cards is American Express. But the catch 22 is that not a lot of merchants accept AE across the pond. The only way around it is to purchase a prepaid debit card once you arrive in Europe-they contain the smart chip. For me it hasn't been that big a hassle. I simply rely on cash from ATMs. ATMs will always accept our magnetic strip credit/debit cards.
Posted by
Edmonton, AB, Canada
668 posts
While Chip Cards have been used in Europe for a number of years and many machine transactions will only accept the chip, I had never been refused my non-chip card before my bank started issuing chip cards this year, now of course it is no longer an issue. Most Canadian Banks have made teh switch or are in the process of doing so, but I know this is not teh case south of the border.