Smart Cards in Quebec?
Sep 12th, 2011, 03:57 AM
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Smart Cards in Quebec?
I'm wondering about using credit cards in Quebec, especially Montreal. Are the new Smart Cards (chip and pin) prevalent there? Or are the old fashioned magnetic strips like our USA cards mostly used? I'm not concerned about toll road or gas stations. I'm asking this question because I'm wondering about ATMs, restaurants and general stores.
Sep 12th, 2011, 05:15 AM
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I have read that Canada is going to start transitioning to chip-and-PIN credit cards, but I can't really tell you much about whether they have already begun.
But I can tell you that the use of cards in ATMs has absolutely nothing to do with the chip and PIN system; a chip is NEVER required in an ATM, even in Europe, where the cards are widely in use. That system only works in payments (mostly automated machines like gas pumps or ticket machines). Stores can always run cards manually.
But I can tell you that the use of cards in ATMs has absolutely nothing to do with the chip and PIN system; a chip is NEVER required in an ATM, even in Europe, where the cards are widely in use. That system only works in payments (mostly automated machines like gas pumps or ticket machines). Stores can always run cards manually.
Sep 12th, 2011, 08:33 AM
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Doug_Stallings,
Thank you for the reply. Do you happen to know when our U.S. Global Entry cards will be usable at Montreal's Trudeau airport? I read that the kiosks will be operable in "September 2011" but haven't seen an exact date. It will be nice to exit Canada with the card, instead of standing in long lines.
Thank you for the reply. Do you happen to know when our U.S. Global Entry cards will be usable at Montreal's Trudeau airport? I read that the kiosks will be operable in "September 2011" but haven't seen an exact date. It will be nice to exit Canada with the card, instead of standing in long lines.
Sep 12th, 2011, 09:22 AM
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Most credit cards in Canada have been converted to the chip and pin type, and most merchants have machines to read them. However, magnetic strip cards can be used at all point of sale and ATM locations unlike some European POS which accept only chip cards. You will have no problems.
Sep 13th, 2011, 04:29 PM
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One warning, which may not be relevant, but I tend to use my VISA debit card more than a credit card. While my card worked fine in Canada, my husband (who works for a bank) actually had to arrange special permission to use his in Canada. For safety reasons, some of these cards are limited to US use only and/or only to certain countries. I noted, for example, that my card would not have been usable in China. Just an added note in case it's of interest to anyone! I know my husband used his magnetic strip credit card when we were in Quebec City last weekend.
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