From experience in Italy last year, I've learned the need for a chip-and PIN card for machines. Since I have time before my next trip, I'm trying to find a source of chip cards in my area (Asheville, NC). I'm willing to open an account to get one but most banks/credit unions don't know what I'm talking about. Any advice on where I can sign up for one?
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
What machines in Italy did you find required chip-and-PIN? We never had any problem last year with our regular credit cards.
Posted by
OP
Asheville
6 posts
Michael,
Where I encoutered this the most was the ticket machines at the train stations. None of my standard credit or debit cards (Visa and Mastercard) were accepted. I've heard from others who encountered the same problem with any automated machines for tolls, gas stations, etc. Some even say a few hotels wanted the cards containing the chips.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
Strange. We bought train tickets using our credit card with no problem. I had heard that gas stations and tolls might require them. Haven't encountered that with any hotels.
Posted by
Whitesboro, NY, USA
148 posts
I just spent a week in Italy and never encountered any problem. But I do remember needing to pay for an item with cash in Southampton last summer because they couldn't deal with my US credit card. And once at a gas station in Bordeaux. But they could handle it inside, just not at the pump. I heard that American Express offers the card with the chip in it. Probably not necessary but it might be helpful.
Posted by
Folsom, California, USA
323 posts
Wayne, Last year we took the Travelex Chip and Pin card to Northern Europe. Didn't really need it there, but was convenient enough. Once you purchase the card (available at some major airports, just Google it), you can reload it for future trips. Kaye
Folsom, CA