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Problem with using credit card in Europe? Try these
This read by Ed Perkins of Tribune Media Services reminded me of a problem I had in Amsterdam this past December. When trying to buy a train ticket at one of the kiosks with my credit card, I was asked for a pin number. If I have one, I can't know it. I ended up going to a booth with a person to buy the tickets with Euros since the ticket kiosk didn't take cash (I don't think, or why wouldn't I have done that?). I had hoped to use the kiosk since that would have been faster.
According to Perkins, credit cards issued in the U.S. don't have chip-enabled cards like European banks are using. This can create problems once in awhile for those of us trying to use an American bank issued card. However, unless you are at a place like a kiosk where a swipe is required, and there isn't a person involved in the transaction, you shouldn't have a problem because the credit card should be able to be used without a pin.
- If the clerk or waiter asks for a pin, let them know that the card is good with a signature on the back and I.D.
- If the person still doesn't want to use the credit card, ask to see the manager and see if that works.
Perkins suggests having a debit card as well so that if needed, in a pinch, you can get money out of an ATM, however don't use the debit card to get money at other times or you'll be dinged more in fees than if you had used your credit card.
In my case, I did use my credit card two times without trouble. Once at the Pancake Bakery in Amsterdam and the other time paying for tickets for the canal boat ride in Copenhagen. The rest of the time I used cash. I would have used my credit card (and cash) more on my last day in Denmark but I was PICK-POCKETED! Robbed! So sad. On the upside of that experience, I spent less money. [Smarter Travel]
Filed under: Business, Stories, Denmark, Netherlands, Consumer Activism
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Trevor Price Apr 26th 2009 1:13PM
I used a credit card frequently on three different trips to Germany over the last couple years with out an issue. I was never asked for a pin number.
Joe Apr 27th 2009 4:46AM
I don't understand how it would ask for a PIN. Maybe you ran into a illegitimate ATM. I've used the kiosks in France and Germany. Most only accept local credit cards with the chip. I tried to use my CC and it said it couldn't read it. Never mind asking for a PIN.
I did use my CC in the country side one time. The poor cashier had never swiped an American CC and called an assistant manager to help her out. I pointed out to both of them the little slot next to the keypad. They had never used it before and didn't know what it was for until that moment!
Rob Apr 27th 2009 12:39PM
It's a problem that will continue to grow. Your neighbors to the north Canada are switch to chip, and soon may ask for your PIN :) In Belgium, I found that numerous gas stations close early, leaving only automated (chip only) readers to buy gas.. Wouldn't matter if you had a visa, M/C or any debit card, the machine will only laugh a you as your rental car sputters out of gas...
David Ricardo Sep 10th 2009 9:43PM
Interesting content.
more credit info @
http://consumer-credit-basics.blogspot.com/
Marite Nov 5th 2009 11:52AM
I have a chip and pin issued in france and I can't use it to pay for toll, to pay for gas with an unattended terminal, to pay for parking, etc.
The problem that you encounter with your american cards has nothing to do with the chip and pin. It is cause by the inability of the unattended terminal (and some attended terminals) to do an online authorization of your card. So, even if you will get a chip and pin card later on (BIG "IF"), you will still encounter the same problems that I also encounter with my chip and pin French issued VISA smartcard. Almost all out-of-country spend require online authorization, specially if a debit card is used. Some high-end american credit cards (with pin-code) will work, even for small amounts because your card will not require an online authorization.
Read my blog: http://www.finextra.com/community/fullblog.aspx?id=3491
Also, please note that here in Europe, generally we do not use our cards for small purchase amounts. Generally, anything below 10 euros we pay in cash. Most shops also will not take your card (or mine - which is a chip and pin) if it's less than 10 euros. I think it's only americans that charge even a $1.00 purchase to their credit cards.
Best is to bring change to pay for small amounts while travelling in Europe. Otherwise, find a real person to take your card if you want to pay with your card.
robert Feb 21st 2010 10:59AM
thanks for the information, but what is the solution for someone travelling thru europe? the unattended fuel stations do not accept cash or american credit cards. your explanations of the problem are good, but no one offered a solution.
do the fuel companies sell prepaid cards?
thank you
robert