"Visa payWave" Credit Card

Patty, I've never seen "PayWave" used anywhere in Europe, although I haven't really been looking as I have a chip Card. I've heard there's some PayWave use in the U.K., but I'm not sure about other locations.

I've lived in Germany for 5 yrs, just spent a week in Paris and a week in Venice this last month and haven't seen it anywhere.

I've never spotted paywave/paypal in France. But it's widely used in the UK and Switzerland, even a couple places in Istanbul had it. It's not the same thing as the "chip & pin" cards. Paywave uses radio waves to read the card, so you don't have to take it out of your wallet or purse. It's used mostly by chain retailers that do high-volume and the typical purchase is under $50; like a fast food, drug store, or Starbucks. Chip & pin cards have to be in se rt ed into a terminal, and pin is used to finalize the transaction instead of a signature.

I've lived a long time in the UK and never heard of "payWave". There is a contactless RFI system being pushed by McDonalds and some other chains for purchases under £15.

Nigel, The term "PayWave" is a brand used by the credit card firms. It refers to a card having an embedded RFID chip, which can be read via radio when in proximity to a Reader. Have a look at this link for some additional information: www.visaeurope.com/en/about_us/innovation/visa_paywave.aspx Of course the characteristics of this type of Card make it very attractive for thieves as well. You may find it interesting to watch this video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmajlKJlT3U Cheers!

Many thanks to everyone for their information on "VisapayWave", the Chip Credit Card and Travelex.
I just returned from two weeks in Paris and used a regular American Credit Card that needed to be "swiped" and signed, and not once did they act confused and no one ever asked me for my Identification. But then no one got up and offered me their seat on the Metro.........even tho I am a 75 year old silver haired grandma :)