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..."Cash only" businesses (sometimes where you least expect) are much more common than in the U.S.
I live in a tourism-oriented town in Portugal, and the number of restaurants especially that won't take credit cards is quite large. Cash and debit cards are the norm, but ask first because some only take cash.
I use citibank, and they're all over Europe. I don't have many complaints about citi, I use my debit/credit card perfectly fine when i'm out there (i'm actually en route now). The only issues i've had are dealing with a rude cashier, who asks to see my id and then they want to practice their English with me...nein danke.
regardless of my positive experiences with citi, I always make sure that i'm carrying physical cash/euros on me as well.