We are leaving Saturday for London, and I just realized that all our credit/debit cards use the magnetic strip. We do not have the Chip and Pin technology available yet in our backward country. Will they still work at the ATMs (Automatic Teller Machines) and at retail outlets in England, Scotland, and Ireland (both parts)? I going to hate having to carry a lot of cash.
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Comments
Mag strip
You'll do fine. Most card readers have the strip reader as well as the chip reader so there should be no conflict there.
Your problem might be that there's nothing to write your signature on. You may be presented with a bill copy to sign but otherwise you'll have to use the PIN you would use at an ATM.
Other fun fact to remember over here - as a rule, we don't tip. Exceptional service in a decent restaurant, perhaps, but otherwise, what you see is what you pay. None of this "we'll add on that Sales Tax you forgot about".
Penny
Contactless Cards?
A lot of places in the UK are also taking contactless payments with the debit/credit card now. Not sure if that's a thing in the US or not?
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."
You'll be fine
Afaik ATMs still use mag stripe, chip & pin is almost exclusively for purchases.
I can't imagine large stores having any issues with swiping, there may be a few places that won't understand why it won't read the chip even when you show them your card has no chip, equally there will be places that look at you like you are the boss of a counterfeiting ring when you hand them Scottish or Northern Irish paper money.
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You can't choose your relatives but you can choose your family.
Tipping and Credit Cards
Thanks everybody for your comments. This is my 18th trip to Europe, and I'm very familiar with the tipping. If I don't see service included in the bill I will tip no more than 10%. Tipping in the US, as discussed in many forums, is based partially on the fact that wait staff are terribly underpaid. We're going to cruise around England, Scotland and Ireland, then visit relatives in Cornwall.
Portia
Enjoy your trip
Hope you have all sorts of fun on your holiday.
Chip and whatever
I'll say one thing 04 you have good trip and make it safe and enjoyable one too!
Richard
Shouldn't be a problem but
Most places will accept your card. However, there may be some retail outlets where you might have problems so make sure to have at least some cash available.