I understand that many countries in Europe require a chip-embedded credit card with a PIN. Does anybody know whether Scotland requires a special credit card?
Posted by
Bay Area
3551 posts
June 2011 we used our usual Visa and no chip cards with no prob in Scotland and N. England.
Posted by
Port Coquitlam, BC, Canada
629 posts
We had no problem using either chip or no chip cards (we have both) in 2011. Our only advice is to have your Passport or Driver's License handy. We found out that many of the merchants ask for photo ID with larger purchases.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32310 posts
Lou, I was in Scotland last September, and had no problems with credit cards. The current "Chip & PIN" cards also have a magnetic stripe, but I can't remember which method was used to process transactions. Happy travels!
Posted by
Oak Park, Illinois
4535 posts
Your US-based credit cards should work just fine. There has unfortunately been a great deal of hype in the media about the chip & pin cards used throughout Europe. Most of it has either been wrong or misleading. Almost anywhere a person processes your card, the magnetic stripe type will work. Where problems can occur is at un-manned ticket kiosks or gas stations. There is only 1 chip & pin type card available in the US so far, issued by Andrews Credit Union. A search here will dig up several threads about it. Personally, I don't think it's worth the hassle to get another card but some people have done it.
Posted by
OP
Seattle
11 posts
Thank you all who responded. The info is very much appreciated!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32310 posts
@Douglas, "Almost anywhere a person processes your card, the magnetic stripe type will work." The important word there is "almost". I found that even the staffed ticket counters at Amsterdam Central WOULD NOT accept magnetic stripe cards - ONLY "Chip & PIN". While this won't affect the OP in Scotland, it's important to note that there are places, even attended, where C&P cards are the only option. Cheers!