Prepaid debit cards with the pin-chip technology? Anybody have any experience with those? They sell them in the International Terminal at Logan. I thought about getting one with just a minimal amount to try it out, but I didn't and now I regret it because I really want to know how they work and if they work well.......or if they are just another rip-off. My thought was they would work in train and transportation ticket machines, gas pumps, toll roads.
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9101 posts
You can also purchase them at the currency exchange desks at most any airport in Europe. You are probably better off purchasing them across the pond as they will be loaded with Euros, and that might mean one less fee. They will work at the at the automated machines.
Posted by
OP
Columbia, SC
989 posts
The cards at Logan were in Euros. Michael - sounds like you used one and they actually did work as expected?
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9101 posts
The only time I've purchased one is to use the lockers an Centraal Station Amsterdam. They only accept chip&pin cards (no cash), were sold at the ticket counters, and worked fine.
Others have reported on this board that they worked okay at various other automated machines throughout Europe.
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19109 posts
There is also a chip card sold in Germany called a Geldkarte. I haven't been able to find out much about it, but apparently you can (re)load it to up to €200 at banks. It's usable in vending machines, automated gas stations (I guess), and ticket automats (Munich, MVV, gives you a discount for buying tickets with it).
Posted by
NY, USA
500 posts
I bought one from travelex for my upcoming trip just for convenience of buying train tickets in Italy plus a little extra for shopping. It is in Euros. They actually give you two cards one is a replacement incase you lose one. I have yet to try it. When I was in Austria a few years ago a couple times I had to run to an ATM for extra cash after several shops couldn't process my US credit card. In general I plan to use my ATM (my cards-one from a credit union the other capital one for fee less withdrawals) for cash but this card though it may have cost an extra $30 seems like a simple convenience.
I bought it at a travelex kiosk at a local mall, normally I wouldn't go there to exchange money (high rates and fees) but I know they are worldwide and a reputable company.