US credit cards accepted in Europe

[TD2K]

Anyone had any experience with this? I've heard that as more European banks are going to 'smart cards' with chips that US style credit cards may have problems being accepted.

[Mad Dawg Wiccan]

My parents travel to Germany often, the closest thing they have had to problems was in London at a restaurant where the staff was stealing and selling card numbers.

[tcu2003]

I used them last summer and fall without a problem - if a place accepted CCs, I could use mine.

[bobosensei]

In my experience it is easier finding a restaurant that takes US credit cards than it is other retail merchants, but we live in rural Germany so that may make a difference. But because of the foreign transaction fees DH and I typically withdraw euro from the ATM and then we don't have to worry about who takes what.

When we go to super touristy places it seems like most places take US credit cards with no problems.

[chiver78]

I've only had issues with a couple of things. many places do not accept American Express (which I hold for my corporate card), and my Discover card wouldn't work in many places without a PIN (which I don't have).

I think if you double check with your credit card company before you go overseas, for whatever roadblocks you should expect, you should be fine. I'd recommend bringing more than one card, and that those cards are different types.

[lulubean]

Had the problem both times in England, I kept having to say " I have no chip and dip" I hear chase will have one coming this summer, just in time for my trip I hope.