Europe Prefers Chip and Pin, Not Swipe Credit Cards

By
Beth Fertig
WNYC News | Jul 12, 2010

New York, NY —

For many of us, buying a metro card is as easy as swiping a credit or debit card. But if you're planning on taking a train during your European vacation this summer, be warned: Ticket machines no longer accept the old fashioned, American-style "swipe" technology. And neither do many store clerks.

Britain, the Netherlands, Belgium and other European nations are all switching to what's called "chip and pin" technology. And it's leaving some American travelers stranded.

Guest Daniel Ray, editor-in-chief of creditcards.com joins the 411.

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Beth Fertig

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