I'm from USA, Using my card in England ?

Question

Hi, i bank with BOA and live in USA.

I'm curious if i can use my card over there, as it does not have a chip.

My main worry is that i won't be able to use my Visa Gold in the ATM or to buy Items in shops. I'm going over to see family and will probably buy a few gifts for them while i am there.

So i have a few questions:

If i go to a small shop and buy a Phone or a PSP will they accept Visa Gold, or is my only option to take cash from a ATM first ?

If they accept my BOA issued Visa Gold, will i need to just sign and provide ID for my card? Will they take it off me and type all the details into the till? (Bad history with people handling my cards & cloners)

Thankyou :)

Answer 1

You can use your card. I always call my bank when I go overseas just in case and they note my account. You want to notify your bank so they don't put a freeze on the account thinking the card was stolen and then they can't get a hold of you because your gone.

Answer 2

You should be fine as long as the store accepts Visa.  As to people typing your details into the till, depending on the set-up, you may be require to surrender your card, although most places just swipe.  Keep in mind, though, whenever a person swipes your card, they have your credit card details.  The credit card number and expiry date print out on the merchant copy of the receipt.  This is the way it works all over the world, so refusing to hand over your card is providing you with less protection than you think.  

Answer 3

BofA has an arrangement with Barclay's where each bank's customers can use the other's ATM's without any fees.  You should be OK on that front.