Has anyone had a problem with paying for gas at self-service stations in Italy? I recently read in a travel magazine that there might be a problem with the newer machines accepting U.S.-issued cards.

Yes, you need a European credit card with a chip/pin in those self-serve stations. I used cash.

When I filled up in Zurich at a manned station, the attendant told me that I needed a CC with a chip/pin or cash, but she did say that the only exception was an American Express Card. Since I had one, I used it, and it worked.

Maybe the same is true for Italy, but have not tried it. I'm hoping that based on my experience in Zurich, someone will try it in Italy to see it it holds true there.

We just returned from France and Italy. I was able to use a self service if there was an attendant present. I gave him my card and he had about three machines so he could read any card. But you can't pay for gas at the pump or use the credit card lane on the Tollway. During a two week driving trip we had no one say they couldn't take our card. It can happen when they don't have a machine to scan a non chip/pin card but 90% do. We used the card in small towns and at stations on the tollway.

Hi SB,

You will be able to use your CC at any fuels station that has an attendant.

Do NOT try to buy fuel on Sundays, when nearly all fuel stations are unstaffed and only chip and PIN cards will work.

Enjoy your visit.

Thank you Budman, Ira, and Bob. We really appreciate your responses and thank you for the good information. We will definitely look for stations with attendants!