Since most payment machines take coins (and possibly small bills), it's smart to keep spare change handy (especially for highway toll booths, parking garages, luggage lockers, bike-rental kiosks, etc.). For this reason, it's a good idea to allow a little extra time at train stations and the like, as staffed service windows almost always have longer lines than ticket machines.
Be prepared to move on to the next gas station if necessary (don't let your tank get too low, especially if driving at night or on Sundays). Your US cards should work in many kiosks, including those in the London Underground, but may not in others, such as the Paris Métro (though it's always worth a try, as the situation is constantly changing).ĭrivers beware: Drivers in particular need to be aware of potential problems using a credit card to fill up at an unattended gas station, enter a parking garage, or exit a toll road. Some card readers will accept your card as is, but others may prompt you to enter your PIN - so it's important to know the code for each of your cards, including your credit card.Īt self-service machines (transit-ticket kiosks, parking, etc.), results are mixed, as US cards may not work in some unattended transactions. Most chip cards issued in the US instead have a signature option.Īlthough US cards no longer require a signature for verification, don't be surprised if a European card reader generates a receipt for you to sign.
I've been inconvenienced a few times by self-service payment machines that wouldn't accept my card, but it's never caused me serious trouble.Įuropean cards use chip-and-PIN technology: Europeans insert their chip cards into a payment machine slot, then enter a PIN.
Despite some differences between European and US cards, there's little to worry about: US credit cards (Visa and MasterCard) generally work fine in Europe.
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