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Most cards in the US don't have the chips, and most US credit cards don't use PIN numbers (though debit cards do). I keep reading mixed reports in travel books and on blogs - some say we should have no problem and others say we can expect some issues with some merchants.
We'll be in London for three days and Yorkshire for four(our plans are a lot more "rural" in that area). Should we steel ourselves for embarrassing drama? Should we carry a lot of cash with us? Will banks have any issues giving us cash when we're using a magnetic strip debit card? Should we buy (gasp) traveler's checks? We were planning on carrying about 1200 pounds in cash and already feel a little nervous about that.
(We've already paid for our hotel, vehicle, public transport so we'll only be paying for gas, food, admissions, and souvenirs).
Also - I have a Discover card, which is accepted at all Diners Club and I believe it is Link locations. Are those very common? I also have a Chase Visa credit card which I believe does have a chip - but it doesn't use a PIN number.
We traveled throughout Belgium, France, and Germany with these same cards a few years ago and had no issues at all - maybe I have been lulled into a false sense of security. Please tell me I shouldn't have any worries!
I found myself in a shop in Bath a couple of weeks ago behind an American guy paying for stuff with a non chip card. He just signed the till receipt, didn't seem to have any hassle. It just took a little longer.
I don't see that you'll have any real problems, even in the rural areas. They all use the same equipment.
How long now? 4 days? The London weather is looking good for the next week. Low 70's and fairly sunny.
I found myself in a shop in Bath a couple of weeks ago behind an American guy paying for stuff with a non chip card. He just signed the till receipt, didn't seem to have any hassle. It just took a little longer.
I don't see that you'll have any real problems, even in the rural areas. They all use the same equipment.
How long now? 4 days? The London weather is looking good for the next week. Low 70's and fairly sunny.
I know - I am so glad about that! And the weather in Yorkshire is looking pretty optimistic as well!
I am probably worried about nothing, but I am very anal when it comes to travel plans leading up to the moment. I am always a little freaked out before a big trip because I can imagine all sorts of logistical things going wrong! I don't know why I am so worried - I've activated my Visa debit cards for international use and I know I can go to just about any ATM and just withdraw cash if we are getting low. I'm just not used to dealing with cash and don't really like carrying around much of it, especially when traveling. But...I am overthinking this!
I am counting down the days, though - so excited I can hardly sleep! I'm already packed! LOL
In Europe I have had no problems using a debit card as most merchants have both a swipe and a chip and pin function on their credit/debit card machines. That being said though I have had problems trying to get train/public transit tickets because some of the automated kiosks will only accept chip and pin cards so it would probably make sense to have a few pounds on you just in case.
Traveler's checks may work but are unnecessary, and are becoming more and more of a PITA. Debit cards will likely work fine at ATM machines, so wads of cash are usually unnecessary. For swipe credit and debit cards with MC or VISA logo, you should be fine at places involving face-to-face transactions. Just be sure to notify the issuing bank of your travels. Automated point of sale terminals are where people usually encounter difficulties with non EMV/chip-and-pin cards.
OP, pay in cash instead. Most Brits, in my experience, pay for their stuff in cash, not cards. Also, as long as your card is Visa or Mastercard you shouldn't have an issue. I never paid with anything with my card, I always withdrew a set amount of cash to keep on hand (about £100 every withdrawal) it's much cheaper doing it that way since every transaction carries a foreign currency surcharge. Better to pay one lumpsum surcharge instead of multiple small ones. Pay in cash.
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