Magnetic stripe or EMV (chip-and-pin) credit cards in France?
We are US travelers who will be spending 2 weeks in France (Bordeaux through Provence to Nice) in mid-April 2013. We understand that Europe is well ahead of the US in the use of EMV (chip-and-pin) technology for credit cards, and all of our cards are traditional magnetic stripe only. We would like to use a credit card for as many expenses as possible. We will be using public transport as well as renting a car, purchasing gasoline, etc.
What is the current state of EMV vs. magnetic stripe card acceptance in France? Should we inquire about EMV cards with our card issuers?
Best Answer
Yes you can use cards with magnetic strip in stores in France as most machines are equipped to deal with both chip and magnetic strip cards. You might face a problem in some shops where shopkeepers do not see much cards with magnetic strips, in that case try to explain to them or simply say "la piste magnetique". Also, some automated payment systems like gas stations and ticket machines do not accept magnetic strip cards, so it is essential to keep cash with you at all times.
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Does France use chip and PIN?
France uses chip and pin everywhere, in fact credit cards with chips were invented in France. Most shops ansd restaurants however have credit card readers that can also read the magnetic stripe on your card.What type of card is France using?
Which credit card issuers are accepted in France?Merchant acceptanceATM acceptanceVisaHighHighMastercardHighHighAmerican ExpressMediumHighDiscoverLowMediumJan 12, 2021Which countries use chip and PIN?
As of 2015, chip and signature cards are more common in the US, Mexico, parts of South America (such as Argentina, Colombia, Peru) and some Asian countries (such as Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, South Korea, Singapore, and Indonesia), whereas chip and PIN cards are more common in most European countries (e.g., the UK, ...Do I need a PIN for my credit card in France?
France Requires Chip & Pin Cards Any debit or credit cards a person plans on using in France must have a chip in it and a pin associated with the card. Most cards in the U.S. now have a chip in them.Credit card cloning is too easy!
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