ATM Cards

I'v e never had a problem in England or other W. European countries with my debit card either at ATM's or in stores or restaurants.

We didn't have any trouble in The Netherlands or Italy last year, but I've been reading about other travelers' problems with chip cards and have started to become a bit concerned. Glad to hear that others have not had problems.

Suggest you check with your bank...

As a debit card at an ATM it will not be a problem.

Chip and pin may affect using your credit cards for certain purchases - even then the places that can't/won't take our credit cards are few and far between. It won't have any affect on using your debit card to get cash from an ATM.

ATM cards: no. Credit cards: Maybe. Someone will correct me if this is wrong, but I do not believe UK or Irish banks are issuing debit/ATM card that rely on a chip. You can use an ATM card there just as you do in the U.S. Be sure your PIN is four characters, does not start with a zero, and contains no letters. Your bank can tell you if they have an arrangement with one of the UK/Irish banks that might save you a few bucks on fees. Credit cards, however, are assumed to have a chip. In popular tourist areas, though, you'll probably find that merchants, etc., are quite willing to deal with an American card. On the other hand, a growing number of automated facilities -- toll booths, gas stations, etc. -- seem to be able to accept only a chip&pin card.