Visa Chip+Pin UK - Can i use in Netherlands ?

Question

I am going to Netherlands next week and want to know what happens if i use my Visa card for goods over the counter.

The Visa is deffinetly open, but even my friend who lives there has no idea, websites seems to be confusing on this subject.

I've heard most shops hate the chip and pin system and tape up there chip readers. Will they simply swipe my card and make me sign, or will they turn my custom away.

Thankyou

Jpeltony

Answer 1

I have both a mastercard and a visa card, but I actually use them more abroad (and via the net) than I ever do in the Netherlands.  Officially the chip & pin system is used, although on the odd occasion that I have used it (even recently) it has always been a swipe and sign approach

A couple of warnings though -

- don't let people take your card away (I had my bank card cloned only last month!).  

- make sure you carry a form of ID as you will be asked if you have to sign

- bring an alternative form of payment e.g. ATM card as using a credit card is (by far) not as common in NL as it is in the UK.  Many places e.g. supermarkets just don't accept them

Answer 2

Yes, you are able to use it in most cases. When it doesn't work you sign, and it is taken at the day later as usual.

Bear in mind what bla bla wrote.......

Credit card fraud happens often! My mum had the same last month, they swiped all her details of her card and were away with her AOW(State pension)!

Answer 3

They may not use chip and pin like the uk does everywhere now but if not you just sign like a few years back