We are going to England in June and have obtained a 4 digit pin code for our credit cards (MasterCard and Visa). We are picking up train tickets and have to insert our card in a ticket machine at the train station. My question is whether we'll be able to use our credit card to do that or for other purchases? Sorry to be the 100th person who has likely asked this.
Posted by
Charlotte, NC, USA
3428 posts
Should not be a problem- though I have recently read a tip that says to leave the card in the card reader at train staitons for about 10 seconds before removing it. Otherwise it will not 'recognize' the card. If the machines don't accept your card, just go to a ticket booth with a live agent.
Posted by
Leesburg, VA, USA
340 posts
Steve, my husband and I had to pick-up train tickets from a ticket machine at St. Pancras just a couple of weeks ago. The machine did not like the VISA that I had used to purchase the tickets on-line, so I had to go to a manned window to get them. The employee at the window said the machines don't like cards without the "chip." It was not a problem, but be sure to leave enough time to do so in case there is a line. The one nice thinig was that I could pick-up all my tickets at that one spot. Other than that, we have never had any problems using our VISA or Mastercard anywhere in Great Britain during our many trips over the years; whether it was a small shop, a restaurant or pub, hotel, or purchasing tickets at an historic site.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32219 posts
Steve, As the instructions state that you have to "insert" your card in the machine, I suspect the machines are capable of only accepting "Chip & PIN" cards. Unless your card has the "chip" then you may have to use a staffed ticket window as described in the previous reply. You shouldn't have any problem using your cards for other purchases, and it's a good idea to know the PIN's anyway. The only time you may have problems is using automated pay points such as Ticket Kiosks or whatever. Happy travels!