Chip Card required now for ATMs?
These cards are new and I've just been reading about them, has anybody recently been in Italy and experienced trouble using our magnetic strip cards in ATM machines? I understand the chip & pin cards are expensive and few in the US.
carol
wilsonville, or usa 2/2/12
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Got back from our three months in Venice two weeks ago. I used our magnetic strip ATM cards (for thousands of euro) with absolutely no problem.
You can use the mag strip cards in the atm's.
I had some trouble with using my Chase bank debit strip card in certain ATMs, I don't know if the nonchip was the reason but I found other ATMs that worked for me. One across from the Pitti Palace in Florence and one in Saint Bartholomew's piazza in Venice that did take the card and had a great English language option.
other tips here
http://www.cheapandsingletravel.com/Italy.htm
carol,
Although all my cards are "Chip" cards, they also have a magnetic strip and I suspect that's the portion that is used for ATM transactions.
The same has been true when using credit cards at automated ticket Kiosks at Termini. I've never been asked to enter a PIN, so I suspect only the magnetic strip portion is being used for the transaction.
Of course, this could change in future as it has in other countries in Europe. For example, when buying tickets at Amsterdam Central, they ONLY accept "Chip" cards even at the staffed ticket windows.
Happy travels!
ATM cards are different from credit cards. ATM machines do not require chips, just PINs.
Occasionally a machine will not work with your card for some reason. Can't explain why but it's not the chip issue. Just move on to another machine. I've found certain banks are the issue with my card.
Chip and PIN credit cards are also not required for most tourist activity in Europe. Un-manned ticket booths, gas stations and toll booths are the exception - everywhere else will take your old-fashioned credit card.
Douglas,
"everywhere else will take your old-fashioned credit card."
"Old fashioned" credit cards are NOT accepted at Amsterdam Central!