Credit Cards

Chip cards have a metallic computer chip imbedded in the card which creates a unique transaction code for each purchase. Unlike a chip card, traditional cards have magnetic strips that store the same customer data which is used for every transaction. Whereas data stolen from a traditional card can be reused, chip card data cannot.

Request chip credit and debit cards from your bank before arrival for easier transactions on the economy. Currently, there are 2 types of chip cards:

• Chip and Pin Cards (Europe): Insert card into machine (rather than swipe) and input pin code.
• Chip and Signature (U.S.): These can be used just like a chip and pin card, but you must sign a receipt before the transaction is complete.

NOTE: Most retail establishments and hotels in Europe accept traditional magnetic credit cards. However, some stand-alone kiosks may accept only chip and pin cards (rather than chip and signature or traditional cards).

TIP: Some banks will allow you to set up a PIN on chip credit cards and can be used in European credit card readers.