Just trying to clarify whether both Visa/MC are widely accepted cards in Scotland. (And a side trip to Bath/Stonehenge). Hearing that it's mostly Visa. Are Mastercards accepted too? How about Discover? Will make sure I have international permission on whichever. Thanks!
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
Not Dicover. The other two, yes.
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
'Just call the number on the back of the card a few days before your departure.' Why? The annotation is instantaneous and takes but a minute. Do it while you're cooling your heals at the departure gate. And if you forget, it's not the end of the world - - call them from the first place that rejects the charge. Traveling just isn't that complicated. Everything has a solution.
Posted by
2081 posts
hi, i only have 1 credit card and that is a VISA. so far i havent had any issues with using my card. with that, i will also state that i do carry cash (yes, i do) around too. And if im going to a restaurant or some out of the way store, i will usually ask first. happy trails.
Posted by
PA
2857 posts
It actually may be necessary to call your credit card customer service from your home or other phone that you have set up with them as your number, else they may decide that the call itself is an attempt to permit fraudulent usage. Depends on the card issuer.
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
They ask you questions, you give answers, they solve the problem. You can use any phone in the world. That's why they have the numbers. Try it.
Posted by
PA
2857 posts
You can use any phone when you report a problem and need to block the card. To set up travel (or make other changes that involve funds going to you), depending on the card company, THAT call may have to be made from your recognized phone. Check with your bank.
It stands to reason that if you find your card stolen or compromised that you would call immediately from wherever you are.
Posted by
Bainbridge Island
3287 posts
It takes the same amount of time to call whether you do it a few days ahead to at the airport. Except it is a more relaxed call if you do it ahead. So why not do that? It is just part of our routine checklist of things to do before we leave. Stop the mail and newspaper, turn down the heat, let the neighbors know we will be away, call the bank.
Posted by
Truro, NS, Canada
3941 posts
Amen Sasha - why not take a few minutes before you leave to do it rather then wait til problems come up and have the (for me) embarrassment of having my card 'rejected', whether I can fix it easily or not (and when I've called, sometimes I've been on hold for awhile while waiting for a person to talk too - why bother doing that with a collect call from overseas?). An ounce of prevention...
Posted by
London, England
3 posts
Both are widely accepted. I would go so far as saying that the US is a little way behind when it comes to debit and credit cards. Both Credit and Debit cards in the UK are chip and pin and require you to enter your pin number when using them. You may need to explain to the merchant that your card is a "swipe card" if it is not a chip and pin. Most shops also accept cards where you just place the card on the reader for purchases up to £20 without the need to sign or enter your pin.
I have never heard of a Discover card so couldn't comment but I'm sure a google search would answer your query.
Posted by
348 posts
I used to carry only a MC, but now have added a Visa for a Plan B, if I have problems with one.