What is that? Me and my husband have travelled alot(specially my hubs) but we never have ever encounterd a problem regarding the use of normal credit card. This time around in UK however there were several occasion when we were asked for chip and pin card for payment. Sometimes the establisment understood our situation and took the credit card but other times we had to pay cash. Now living in USA we are out of habbit to carry cash with us but after few times in Uk we withdrawed cash and always asked before hand if the resturant or the store accept normal CC.
Re: Chip & pin card?
It's a new system (not very new) that has been introduced in England and other parts of the UK. Just another method to prevent fraud. Basically the old system would only require your signature on the dotted line but now you have to stick your CC into a reader and enter a PIN number you have set up with your Bank.
Re: Chip & pin card?
Each card has a unique chip embedded into it - so where ever you go in England, you will have to enter your pin number. However, there are some place - when you make a purchase under £10, they will just take your card and NOT ask you enter your pin number.
But its very inconvenient and also not practicle since this kinnda system is not used (as of my knowledge) in other countries. Being a tourist hub london host people from around the world and this system is not very tourist friendly.
Oh well...I am glad to be back home.
Re: Chip & pin card?
i'd like chip n burger.
Re: Chip & pin card?
In fact it's an excellent step to prevent fraud, it could be a huge inconvenience if you don't know your PIN (lot of people don't ecpect to be asked for a PIN). It has reduced credit card fraud by a great deal and more countries than ever i europe are introducing chip and PIN instead of old styled "SIGNATURE" method.
Re: Chip & pin card?
only a few places still operate the old signiture system as they have found the new one to greatly reduce fraud as stated in above post