A Visa rep told me that people visiting Italy are advising him that gas station attendants are not always on location and that visa cards are not accepted at the pumps that dispense gas by credit cards. Any truth to that?
Posted by
Cesena, Italy
791 posts
Yes. I've had trouble several times trying to use my cards at the pump. My advice is to gas up during the day when most stations have an attendant and don't count on finding attendants on Sun. You can also pay cash at a pump when there aren't attendants.
Posted by
Dallas, TX, USA
1170 posts
Same here. Had to go inside to pay for gas. Even the attendant's handheld charge device did not work. Might be best to pay cash for gas.
Posted by
Lake Forest, CA, USA
1633 posts
I take two cards--one Visa and one Mastercard. I've found that many restaurants/hotels only take Mastercard. It's also good for back up.
Posted by
OP
Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
8 posts
Thanks to all...much appreciated.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
And FWIW, gas in Italy is called "benzina". Have a great time.
Posted by
Portlandia
3313 posts
The problem has to do with the self-serve pumps requiring cards with smart chips. It isn't a Visa or Mastercard issue. U.S. cards don't have the chips.
Posted by
Eugene, Oregon, USA
928 posts
What you are buying can also be confusing at the pump.
Gasoline is sometimes just called
Senza Piombo or Unleaded.
Gasolio however is Diesel.