We traveled through eastern Europe this summer with a VISA, MasterCard and American Express card. We didn't have any problems with the VISA card and the one time we had to use it for cash (grabbed the wrong card), it worked find (Czech Republic) but it is really helpful that you are sharing this tip with fellow travellers. What a pain to get to Europe and have problems getting funds.

Though it will mess with your credit rating, it probably makes sense to have more than one brand of card and it absolutely makes sense to have a debit card. I share more advice based on my experience with currency at www.eurfirst.com

My sister and I went to Ireland, Scotland and England in May. I had no trouble using any of my cards. I have a CapitalOne MC, Visa credit card and Visa debit card. I used my debit card most of the time and never had any problems getting cash from ATMs, etc. I am planning a trip to Italy next spring and now I'll have to remember that there is a possibility of having difficulties with my cards, hopefully it won't be too big of a problem.

SOOO .... how does one get at chip and PIN credit card ? Would a European Country issue me one per the internet ?

"Would a European Country issue me one per the internet ?"

Countries don´t issue cards, banks do. And if you don´t have a credit history you don´t get a card.

Hi marcie,

The OP was just plain wrong.

Your US issued MC, Visa or Amex will work almost everywhere.

The exceptions are unstaffed machines such as gas station pumps and ticket machines in some train stations.

The OP's suggestion to bring lots of cash is also wrong.

If you need cash, get it from an ATM.

((I))

Very shortly all credit cards issued within EU countrites will be pin and chip. This is already the case in the UK. Last year we had a few problems with our Dutch Visa card there as it is still a swipe and sign card. But there was always a procedure to deal with it. They always accepted the card, even if they had to call a supervisor to help. This will continue to be the case throughout Europe for non pin and chip cards. I suspect that the French you encountered where just being difficult. If you can remember the shops involved report them to Visa.
Many unmanned pertol stations will only take local debet cards with a pin. Some will also accept a foreign credit card with a pin. It works both ways - we have trouble in the US too!

And just to confuse things further, I am in total bemusement when in Italy. They have a FIVE digit chip and PIN system for debit cards. I have found in recent months:

- some places accept both my UK credit and debit chip and PIN cards with a four digit PIN
– some will accept my four digit credit card but not my debit card
- some will accept neither via the chip and PIN system, but WILL let me swipe and sign with a credit card, but not my debit card.

I carry a LOT of card variations with me when I go.

bookmarking

I travel to various countries in Europe several times a year and have never had a problem using AMX, Visa or Mastercard at ATM's, retailers and gas stations. The best advice is to call the company and inform them of your travel plans. This helps to prevent fraud on your card and stops the company from blocking authorized charges you make. Has worked for me for 20 years.

>Very shortly all credit cards issued within EU countrites will be pin and chip.
Today, I recieved a new Mastercard, no chip on it.