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A few times recently we've found ourselves at a little restaurant in the middle of nowhere whose credit card machine only accepts cards with chips/PINs. Seems to be a growing trend not to have the swipe option. Luckily, we have Carte Bleus as well as our US credit cards, so we were OK, but it occurred to me that travellers with non-chip cards (ie most Americans) could get into trouble.
SO - I was really excited when VISA sent me my replacement card, and it had a chip in. I've confirmed with them that this is compatible with European systems. It's only a pilot scheme, though, so if anyone has this new chip card, please make the effort to call your card services people and tell them it's a great idea.
Bank of America told me they're doing a similar chip card called Tap and Pay, which ISN'T compatible with European machines. You'd think we'd have learnt from CD regions, 120/220 volts, etc, etc, but no. Whatever folk say about a global society, it really isn't.
Also, on US card topics: I have a Wells Fargo account and a Bank of America account. With Bank of America, I can wire money from my US account to my French Banque Tarneaud account, all online. But they won't send me replacement credit/debit cards to France. With Wells Fargo, I can't wire money overseas (they want me to show up in person to do an international wire - very amusing). But they WILL send me new cards to France. Hence the need for two accounts. The lack of consistency between bank procedures is disconcerting, but at least it allows room for some manoeuvre, I suppose
SO - I was really excited when VISA sent me my replacement card, and it had a chip in. I've confirmed with them that this is compatible with European systems. It's only a pilot scheme, though, so if anyone has this new chip card, please make the effort to call your card services people and tell them it's a great idea.
Bank of America told me they're doing a similar chip card called Tap and Pay, which ISN'T compatible with European machines. You'd think we'd have learnt from CD regions, 120/220 volts, etc, etc, but no. Whatever folk say about a global society, it really isn't.
Also, on US card topics: I have a Wells Fargo account and a Bank of America account. With Bank of America, I can wire money from my US account to my French Banque Tarneaud account, all online. But they won't send me replacement credit/debit cards to France. With Wells Fargo, I can't wire money overseas (they want me to show up in person to do an international wire - very amusing). But they WILL send me new cards to France. Hence the need for two accounts. The lack of consistency between bank procedures is disconcerting, but at least it allows room for some manoeuvre, I suppose
