CC for train tickets

My U.S. credit card (no embedded chip) was accepted at manned ticket windows, but not 100% sure about the automatic ticket machines.

Oh, dear. I really hate to be carrying so much money, even tho it will be in a money belt,. With the hotels asking for cash, that makes a lot to have and I hate to go every day to "the money tree"

thanks

But, I plan to buy them forward at the time I arrive at a new place, so that might take some of the hassle out.

You will be able to use your credit card nearly everywhere. Hotels are no problem but they often will give a discount for cash. The train ticket machine will accept the card. Have see a few with signs saying that they only accept the European card BUT there were always lots of the older models generally being heavily used by American tourists. You will be fine.

Thank you for those words of encouragement.

This is the first time I have traveled like this, almost alone, and moving all around the place, trains, cars, buses, etc. A little wild, it seems at times.

But I know grdaught and I will have a great time.

Thans to all for all the help !

not a problem in Italy at all...I bring my Amex and Visa (no chips) and have never had a problem - I've always been able to use one or the other (I have had problems in Ireland though in shops that couldn't swipe my card with no chip)

You'll have a terrific time. Buying train tickets with credit cards is a breeze and the machines are very easy to use. Buying ahead is a good idea too...reduce hassle on travel days, save time, and maybe pick up an Amica fare. I had plenty of anxiety last year when we made our first trip in 17 years....wasted a lot of energy. It's easier than ever, people everywhere will speak enough English, and your smile will practically guarantee a helpful response from any local you ask.

The Trenitalia automated machine accepted my card without an embedded chip as of this past summer, but who knows how long that will last? If your card does not have a chip embedded in it, why not just call up your credit card company and see if they are now using the chip technology? If they are (as most now are) they will send you a new card at no cost and then you do not need to worry about whether or not the card will be compatible in all places.

Steven -- it is not that simple. As usual, the US and the European are going down to different technology paths each believing that these is the superior approach. We did the same things with cell phones.

The manned ticket windows should be able to still take all Visa cards, chip or no. The only place I've come across ticket machines that didn't work was in the Netherlands.....you needed cash there, including at the manned windows, since they don't take CC's, period.