Passport question answered
Jun 29th, 2006, 06:36 AM
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Passport question answered
The question of whether US Citizens need passports has been asked so many times so here is the answer:
http://tinyurl.com/q9j5e
<b>Please note the following:
Many countries no longer accept hospital-issued birth certificates as acceptable documentation.
Minors traveling outside of their country of residence without both parents/guardians may require additional documents. For additional details see www.aa.com/children.
U.S. and Canadian citizens require a valid passport for travel to Costa Rica.
Passports issued by countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (see below for more information) must contain digital photographs. However, anyone issued a machine-readable passport prior to October 26, 2005, will be "grandfathered in" and allowed to visit the U.S. until the passport expires. Additional VWP information* is available at the U.S. Department of State website.
Effective December 31, 2006, all nationals, including U.S. citizens, will be required to hold a valid passport to enter the United States by air and by sea. This also applies when coming from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda. The new passport requirement means that all travelers, including U.S. citizens, who are departing the U.S. and intend to re-enter the United States are required to hold a valid passport upon departure from the U.S.
</b>
<font color="RED">US Department of State Passport FAQ: </font>
http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html
http://tinyurl.com/q9j5e
<b>Please note the following:
Many countries no longer accept hospital-issued birth certificates as acceptable documentation.
Minors traveling outside of their country of residence without both parents/guardians may require additional documents. For additional details see www.aa.com/children.
U.S. and Canadian citizens require a valid passport for travel to Costa Rica.
Passports issued by countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (see below for more information) must contain digital photographs. However, anyone issued a machine-readable passport prior to October 26, 2005, will be "grandfathered in" and allowed to visit the U.S. until the passport expires. Additional VWP information* is available at the U.S. Department of State website.
Effective December 31, 2006, all nationals, including U.S. citizens, will be required to hold a valid passport to enter the United States by air and by sea. This also applies when coming from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda. The new passport requirement means that all travelers, including U.S. citizens, who are departing the U.S. and intend to re-enter the United States are required to hold a valid passport upon departure from the U.S.
</b>
<font color="RED">US Department of State Passport FAQ: </font>
http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html
Jun 30th, 2006, 12:18 PM
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Of equal importance:
If you plan to use a credit card overseas, make sure you know your pin
number. Many countries now refuse to
accept credit cards with signatures only and without that pin number, it's cash,thank you. A rude awakening becoming ruder in more and more countries.
If you plan to use a credit card overseas, make sure you know your pin
number. Many countries now refuse to
accept credit cards with signatures only and without that pin number, it's cash,thank you. A rude awakening becoming ruder in more and more countries.
Jun 30th, 2006, 12:55 PM
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We travel frequently all over the world and never had any problem using credit cards, visa or master card. Never needed PIN number. There is NO PIN number for any of them. I understand there is PIN number for visa or master card debit cards
Jun 30th, 2006, 12:55 PM
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Tiv,
Good point. There was a poster on the European Board recently who couldn't get gas in France (?) because he/she didn't have the pin number for the credit card.
Fortunately there was someone there who loaned them the money to purchase the gas!
Good point. There was a poster on the European Board recently who couldn't get gas in France (?) because he/she didn't have the pin number for the credit card.
Fortunately there was someone there who loaned them the money to purchase the gas!
Jun 30th, 2006, 12:59 PM
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Pat,
The thread title is :
<font color="blue"><i>An act of kindness in France and a lesson learned</i></font>
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34820929
Author: ehughes
Date: 06/14/2006, 09:55 am
Last week we returned from a 2 week tour of Normandy, Brittany and the Loire Valley in a rental car. While travelling to visit a chateau on a Sunday, we stopped for gas at a station, fully knowing that they were closed on Sunday but also knowing that there is a credit card machine at each pump. When our cards were repeatedly rejected by the machine I resorted to asking 2 elderly women who had just pulled up to the pump next to ours if I was doing this correctly. They tried and failed as well. They then told us to follow them to another gas station where the cards were still rejected and then, somehow, told us in French that they would put the charge on their credit card and we could reimburse them which we did. We were so impressed with their kindness and tried to convey how grateful we were. I'm sure they understood.
Upon returning to our B&B, I asked our host what the problem was. He told us that in France, one doesn't sign a receipt for a credit card purchase, but inserts a pin number instead. Thus, our cards could not work. I don't know what we would have done if those women hadn't come along and helped us.
In all my reading on this site and others, I had never heard of this problem. I don't know how I missed it.
I hope this helps someone and that I am providing the correct information.
The thread title is :
<font color="blue"><i>An act of kindness in France and a lesson learned</i></font>
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34820929
Author: ehughes
Date: 06/14/2006, 09:55 am
Last week we returned from a 2 week tour of Normandy, Brittany and the Loire Valley in a rental car. While travelling to visit a chateau on a Sunday, we stopped for gas at a station, fully knowing that they were closed on Sunday but also knowing that there is a credit card machine at each pump. When our cards were repeatedly rejected by the machine I resorted to asking 2 elderly women who had just pulled up to the pump next to ours if I was doing this correctly. They tried and failed as well. They then told us to follow them to another gas station where the cards were still rejected and then, somehow, told us in French that they would put the charge on their credit card and we could reimburse them which we did. We were so impressed with their kindness and tried to convey how grateful we were. I'm sure they understood.
Upon returning to our B&B, I asked our host what the problem was. He told us that in France, one doesn't sign a receipt for a credit card purchase, but inserts a pin number instead. Thus, our cards could not work. I don't know what we would have done if those women hadn't come along and helped us.
In all my reading on this site and others, I had never heard of this problem. I don't know how I missed it.
I hope this helps someone and that I am providing the correct information.
Jun 30th, 2006, 02:17 PM
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Your US bank issued credit card does have a PIN assigned to it. You may not know it because you do not use the card for cash withdrawals at an ATM. If you did, you would know the PIN. BTW your card's PIN was probably given to you and since lost or more likely you would need to contact the card issuer and have the PIN sent to you.
Otherwise a good post with correct information.
Otherwise a good post with correct information.
Jun 30th, 2006, 05:46 PM
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"He told us that in France, one doesn't sign a receipt for a credit card purchase, but inserts a pin number instead." This is correct information but...
We traveled to France 4-5 times a year, every year and twice this year so far, and never ever had to use our PIN number with credit card. When bill comes we DO have to sign it. Those who have credit cards issued by French banks do not need to sign, they just enter their PIN number on a little machine that is brought to the table, if you are paying your restaurant's bill. When we go out with our Parisian friends to dinners in Paris or any small or large cities and towns they do not sign their bills but we do. At the same restaurant at the same time. I suspect there was another problem with ehughes' credit card that had nothing to do with a PIN number. Sometimes your bank blocks credit card if there are unexpected activities, for example if you do not inform your bank you are traveling abroad and are going to make purchases in another country. Two years ago we had a problem purchasing gas with our credit cards (VISA and MC) during 10 days in Normandy at every gas station we stopped. We use the same credit cards for all other purchases without any problems, we also payed our tolls with the same credit cards. We talked to our bank once we got home and there was no explanation why. Last October we did not have any problem purchasing gas with Visa.
We traveled to France 4-5 times a year, every year and twice this year so far, and never ever had to use our PIN number with credit card. When bill comes we DO have to sign it. Those who have credit cards issued by French banks do not need to sign, they just enter their PIN number on a little machine that is brought to the table, if you are paying your restaurant's bill. When we go out with our Parisian friends to dinners in Paris or any small or large cities and towns they do not sign their bills but we do. At the same restaurant at the same time. I suspect there was another problem with ehughes' credit card that had nothing to do with a PIN number. Sometimes your bank blocks credit card if there are unexpected activities, for example if you do not inform your bank you are traveling abroad and are going to make purchases in another country. Two years ago we had a problem purchasing gas with our credit cards (VISA and MC) during 10 days in Normandy at every gas station we stopped. We use the same credit cards for all other purchases without any problems, we also payed our tolls with the same credit cards. We talked to our bank once we got home and there was no explanation why. Last October we did not have any problem purchasing gas with Visa.
Jun 30th, 2006, 05:53 PM
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From the same thread another quote
Author: fromMA
Date: 06/14/2006, 11:45 am
I just got back from France and the UK and didnt have a problem....at least at restaurants. At every restaurant we went to, the waiter had a wireless device that took the credit card. It seemed the cards with chips were put into one slot and the holder punched in their pin. In our case, the card went into another slot with no pin necessary. We also notified the card companies that we would be travelling overseas.
Author: fromMA
Date: 06/14/2006, 11:45 am
I just got back from France and the UK and didnt have a problem....at least at restaurants. At every restaurant we went to, the waiter had a wireless device that took the credit card. It seemed the cards with chips were put into one slot and the holder punched in their pin. In our case, the card went into another slot with no pin necessary. We also notified the card companies that we would be travelling overseas.
Jun 30th, 2006, 06:12 PM
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I wasn't very clear in my previous post. I have never had to use a PIN overseas with my bank issued credit card either. However, each of my credit cards has a PIN as well as my debit card. Any time you would use your credit card to get cash from an ATM you need to enter a PIN. Most folks use a Debit card for cash withdrawals.
Sorry for any confusion.
Sorry for any confusion.
Jun 30th, 2006, 06:25 PM
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Yesterday, I received my new Capital One Visa credit card in the mail. When I called to authorize, I was asked (automated) if I wanted a PIN. I declined.
Point being, perhaps it's optional. Now if I go overseas, I will remember this thread, and call to add a PIN...just in case. Thanks Tivertonhouse!
Point being, perhaps it's optional. Now if I go overseas, I will remember this thread, and call to add a PIN...just in case. Thanks Tivertonhouse!
Jun 30th, 2006, 06:50 PM
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We are swaying off Caribbean topics here, but in France, UK etc, they use "chip and PIN", so even if you have a PIN with your card (for ATM withdrawals etc), it won't work there for regular transaction authorisation unless you have a "chipped" card... the small metallic rectangle on the front of the card.
Personally I love "Chip and PIN", it is much, much quicker than waiting in line while people sign credit card slips
Personally I love "Chip and PIN", it is much, much quicker than waiting in line while people sign credit card slips
Jul 1st, 2006, 03:08 AM
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Sam, you are so right. I apologize for my incorrect statement "There is NO PIN number for any of them. I understand there is PIN number for visa or master card debit cards"
I should write:
We never needed a PIN for our credit cards' purchases in any of so many countries we visited. I understand you need to have a PIN for transactions with visa or master card debit cards.
Last evening my husband reminded me that each of our credit cards has a PIN as well. However, we never use our credit cards to get cash from an ATM so there is no need to use PIN for any non-cash purchases. To get cash abroad we use our simple ATM cards without visa or master cards logos. We have no need for debit cards.
Tom, I agree. It would be so much easier.
And getting back to the Caribbean topic. We just got our tickets to Grand Cayman and returning for our second visit in December.
I should write:
We never needed a PIN for our credit cards' purchases in any of so many countries we visited. I understand you need to have a PIN for transactions with visa or master card debit cards.
Last evening my husband reminded me that each of our credit cards has a PIN as well. However, we never use our credit cards to get cash from an ATM so there is no need to use PIN for any non-cash purchases. To get cash abroad we use our simple ATM cards without visa or master cards logos. We have no need for debit cards.
Tom, I agree. It would be so much easier.
And getting back to the Caribbean topic. We just got our tickets to Grand Cayman and returning for our second visit in December.
Jul 1st, 2006, 09:14 AM
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Joan if you do decide to request a PIN for overseas travel dont wait until the last minute. The bank will not give you the number right away, they will mail it to you for security reasons.
pat, I dont use my CC for cash withdrawals either, for the very reason you mention, however, it is an option.
pat, I dont use my CC for cash withdrawals either, for the very reason you mention, however, it is an option.
Jul 2nd, 2006, 03:05 AM
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The advisory on credit/debit card usage with PIN numbers influences not only
emergency cash withdrawals, but also
basic credit card usage. In Europe,
more and more companies (hotels, restaurants, stores) are refusing
credit card with signature only and
insisting on PIN number as well. Whether
this will soon apply to the Caribbean
is unknown. Forwarned however is forearmed, especially when it's so easy to get a PIN number on any card to begin with.
emergency cash withdrawals, but also
basic credit card usage. In Europe,
more and more companies (hotels, restaurants, stores) are refusing
credit card with signature only and
insisting on PIN number as well. Whether
this will soon apply to the Caribbean
is unknown. Forwarned however is forearmed, especially when it's so easy to get a PIN number on any card to begin with.
Jul 2nd, 2006, 04:12 AM
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Good morning Tivertonehouse. As I said we, who travel not only in Europe but Africa, Caribbean, Central, South and North Americas, never needed PIN number when traveling. Only two weeks ago we were in Montreal on one of our frequent visits and NO PROBLEM using our card. It is not an issue how easy it is to get PIN number it is an issue of giving confusing information. In the original thread the poster reported on her/him not being able to use a credit card in one of unmanned gas pumps where is no one to check the signature. If there was someone she/he wouldn't have a problem.
Until all credits cards all over the world have PIN and chip we all can use our credit cards wherever we travel as long as a merchant is there to verify your signature. You also wouldn't be able to use your credit card in France in a self-check counter in a supermarket. It is a good idea to know PIN so we, you, and I can get a gas in France any time and at any gas station.
BTW, I hope that all credit cards companies in every country soon are going to issue credit cards with chip and PIN only, although personally I think that PIN may be stolen as well. Are our credit cards more secured with PIN and chip?
Until all credits cards all over the world have PIN and chip we all can use our credit cards wherever we travel as long as a merchant is there to verify your signature. You also wouldn't be able to use your credit card in France in a self-check counter in a supermarket. It is a good idea to know PIN so we, you, and I can get a gas in France any time and at any gas station.
BTW, I hope that all credit cards companies in every country soon are going to issue credit cards with chip and PIN only, although personally I think that PIN may be stolen as well. Are our credit cards more secured with PIN and chip?
Jul 2nd, 2006, 09:07 AM
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Interestingly, a sidebar " Nick Trend
Answers Your Travel Queries " in
the Conde Nast Traveller July issue -- UK version -- notes the following:
"Q. Can you tell me what the rules are for credit card PINS, now that most companies won't accept signatures
anymore? Recently in Paris, I was
asked to present my credit card and key in the PIN when I checked into a hotel.
Isn't this system open to abuse? What would have happened if I had not been happy with the charge made by the hotel? They would have been able to put
through whatever figure they wanted to.
-- RG, Manchester
A: Although it might seem to be a different system, technically you still have the same rights over disputing charges as you had before the chip and
PIN cards were introduced. If you find that charges have been made which you did not agree to before you checked out, you can dispute them with your credit card companie in exactly the same way as you would have done before PIN payments became standard. It is also more important then ever to remember your PIN and, if necessary,
to request one from your credit card issuer before you travel. If you don't,
hotels, hire car companies, restaurants and any other establishment where you may have been expecting to pay with your card could easily turn it down and insist you pay in cash instead."
Answers Your Travel Queries " in
the Conde Nast Traveller July issue -- UK version -- notes the following:
"Q. Can you tell me what the rules are for credit card PINS, now that most companies won't accept signatures
anymore? Recently in Paris, I was
asked to present my credit card and key in the PIN when I checked into a hotel.
Isn't this system open to abuse? What would have happened if I had not been happy with the charge made by the hotel? They would have been able to put
through whatever figure they wanted to.
-- RG, Manchester
A: Although it might seem to be a different system, technically you still have the same rights over disputing charges as you had before the chip and
PIN cards were introduced. If you find that charges have been made which you did not agree to before you checked out, you can dispute them with your credit card companie in exactly the same way as you would have done before PIN payments became standard. It is also more important then ever to remember your PIN and, if necessary,
to request one from your credit card issuer before you travel. If you don't,
hotels, hire car companies, restaurants and any other establishment where you may have been expecting to pay with your card could easily turn it down and insist you pay in cash instead."
Jul 2nd, 2006, 10:46 AM
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Jul 2nd, 2006, 11:31 AM
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As I said we travel 10-12 times a year to Europe and other continents and this is my experience. of course, many merchants prefer to get pay in cash. Until we all have PIN and chip there are going to be hotels, restaurants and other establishments who will try to take advantage of those of us who don't know any better. They should accept credit cards with signature but if they don't they will lose a lots of my business. I do not walk around with cash. My husband and I have two credit cards and if one doesn't work, the other always does. Unless they have a sign somewhere stated they accept only credit cards with a PIN I won't worry since I know how it works. When we visited Italy about 3-4 years ago, in several restaurants we were told it was something wrong with our credit card and we need to pay with cash. we asked them to use another credit card. The same thing happened. Once we told them we do not have a cash and we just have to wash dishes a waiter said every time the same thing: Let me try again. Suddenly the same credit card worked. We talked to two other couples who stay in Rome and Florence at the same hotels and dined at the same restaurants. It happened to one of them. Be aware there are going to be always people who try to take advantage of other people. Enjoy your travels!
