Credit Card Issues in Italy

I didn't really have any trouble in Europe last year. ATMS were easy, the same as usual. I don't know what was going on in Rome, but I did have a few businesses Very Strongly push for 'cash' when the sign on the door indicated they took credit cards. Once in Spain, we had a restaurant demand a PIN #, but I told them "No Tenemos PIN en Estados Unidos" with my poor 30 year old High School Spanish. They worked it out. I will tell you that without the chip and pin, they will run your credit card in some places through an old carbon copy type of credit card machine (especially in Spain), and guard those receipts carefully. Our credit card was 'compromised' in Spain, and we had to have it replaced, thankfully, when we were back in the US, >

In short, I was in Spain, France and Italy last year and didn't really have any problems that could't be resolved. I have no info re UK and Netherlands.

I had no problems in Italy this spring. I have learned not plan on using an ATM on Sunday morning - that's when my bank typically goes offline for a couple of hours once a week.

Was in Italy last in July.
No issues about using my magnetic tape+signature with any merchants in "in person" transactions.
However I could not use my magnetic tape and signature card at a gas station after hours (when no attendants are there and you must use the automatic dispenser at the pump). In that case I had to use my Italian bank issued chip and PIN card. I think you need a Chip and pin also to pay freeway tolls at the automatic booths (but they take cash, which is what I did since the toll wasn't much). I have not used trains this year, so I don't know if the automatic ticket kiosks at the station also require chip and PIN now.
ATMs work perfectly with the magnetic cards.
In summary your US magnetic and signature card won't be a problem for in person transactions, but they are likely not going to work at automatic vending machines, such as gas pumps (if you go after hours and weekends, otherwise they are attended), unattended automatic freeway toll booths, pay parking machines, train ticket vending kiosks. All those vending machines take cash however, so just make sure you have enough cash with you and you can use automatic machines too.

I was in Italy a couple of months ago. ATM and in-person transactions were fine with magnetic strip card, self-service kiosks (including train station ticket machines) were not. Some train ticket kiosks take cash and give change, they have euro notes and coins pictured on the machine.

You didn't ask, but the thing to watch out for at ATMs and in-person transactions is Dynamic Currency Conversion, which involves having your transaction done in USDollars (or other home currency) rather than euro, resulting in a poor exchange rate. Sometimes this is done without your being asked - if so, I have them void the transaction and do it over in euro.

I travel to Europe 2x a year since 2007 and this is the first time I had problem with my Visa cards. I was in Switzerland and Italy for 3 weeks this month. ATM and in-person transactions were fine with the magnetic strip credit cards and self-service kiosks required a pin # which I did not have so it was a bit inconvenient when the ticket offices were closed! In Switzerland I was asked whether I wanted to pay in US $ or Swiss francs. I was not offered this choice in Italy.

Thanks everyone for you replies. Very helpful information. I actually meant to also ask the question regarding USD and Euros when making a transaction...so thanks for putting that in there!! Great advice.