My American Express and Visa cards have the chip, but I understand that a lot of Europe now operates on contactless cards.
Is it worth asking Amex and Visa to send me one of their contactless cards before I travel to Italy?
Thanks in advance.
Posted by
Green Bay
21370 posts
That would be news to me. Chip cards with a PIN are pretty standard.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
I wouldn't add one more task to your pre-trip list, especially if you are leaving soon.
Something to keep in mind for the next trip, if you see lots of places to use it on this one.
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8253 posts
The contactless or touch cards used in Europe are a POS transaction relying on a "loaded" monetary value or a transaction similar to a debit transaction here in the states. When you are there, any transaction will be handled via a credit card network, so I am not sure having a contactless card would have value.
The chip will ease transactions, you will still need to sign a slip, or it may work in unmanned kiosks (no guarantee) for low dollar transactions (usually less than $25 or $50, depending on your card and the Kiosk) but the Magnetic strip cards are still accepted and will work fine.
Posted by
OP
Brooklyn, NY
9 posts
Excellent -- thanks for the advice. I'm not going to worry about it.