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-   -   Chip and Pin in Scandanavian Countries? (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/chip-and-pin-in-scandanavian-countries-1077284/)

Michael Nov 3rd, 2015 10:34 AM

<i>I have always read/been told that even with fees associated, using a credit card is better/safer than using a Debit card at an ATM,</i>

As long as the ATM card is used only at an ATM attached to a bank, or even better located in the bank lobby, chances are that no fraud will occur. I have been using my ATM card in all my travels (Europe, U.S., Mexico) to withdraw money from ATMs with no problems.

I am highly skeptical of claims without actual figures when it comes to using the credit card to withdraw money from an ATM without any charges (including incurred interest charges). Your link to the credit card information does not provide the full contract information, and the devil's in the details. Perhaps someone else with the same experience can corroborate your claim.

xyz123 Nov 3rd, 2015 11:37 AM

Michael...you are quite right. Cash advances, at least using USA credit cards almost always incur interest charges from the instant the cash hits your grubby hands as noted. The other fees are another question.

The best that can be said is every bank is different. Check with your bank and the enclosures that come with credit cards that explain the individual fees.

wrenwood Nov 3rd, 2015 01:07 PM

We paid $1 and change in interest this last trip.

We always pay a credit card extra money before we leave. This usually takes care of them charging interest on cash withdrawals, as we have a credit on the account.

We paid no foreign transaction fees, no ATM fees. Italy, Austria, Prague, England.

We use a credit card as we have no ATM card. Have never used/needed one in the US.

I sent the link, follow it up if you want to, or not. I'm sure one can find out the contract information if interested. We did.

travelgourmet Nov 3rd, 2015 01:59 PM

<i>What would be unmanned POS? Toll booths? ATMS? Gas Stations? Parking lots?</i>

As the article states, the only tolls are on bridges. On the Øresund at least, there are always manned booths.

ATMS use the stripe, not the chip, so no issue there.

Gas stations do require chip and PIN to use the automated pumps, but attended gas stations aren't that hard to find, just don't cut it close if you are driving at night.

Parking lots typically require chip and PIN or, IIRC, cash. Not even sure all of them actually take credit cards, some places may only take Dankort.

Bear in mind that you will be charged something like a 3% transaction charge by many Danish businesses to use a foreign card. Most restaurants fall into this category, along with taxis. I don't remember exactly, but I think gas stations, parking lots, and some retailers also charge the fee.

Michael Nov 3rd, 2015 02:40 PM

<i> the only tolls are on bridges</i>

I encountered a couple a few miles outside "major" cities (Tronheim was one), and I believe that tunnels whose costs have not be paid also have tolls.

wrenwood Nov 3rd, 2015 03:11 PM

travelgourmet, what are IIRC and Dankort?

travelgourmet Nov 3rd, 2015 03:26 PM

<i>I encountered a couple a few miles outside "major" cities (Tronheim was one), and I believe that tunnels whose costs have not be paid also have tolls.</i>

Sorry. I had it in my head that the question was specifically about Denmark. Maybe because of the article? Your correction is welcome with regards to Sweden and Norway.

<i>travelgourmet, what are IIRC and Dankort?</i>

IIRC = if I recall correctly
Dankort = the local Danish debit card system. You will see (or at least used to see) places and machines that have a card reader but don't take anything but Dankort.

Michael Nov 3rd, 2015 03:28 PM

My apologies. I forgot that it was oriented towards Denmark.


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