Type of identification required if using USA credit card in UK or Irish Republic?
#16
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Orange County, CA
Programs: AA, BA, SPG Gold
Posts: 665
I always keep my passport in the hotel safe and always carry my driver's license and copy of my passport. The copy of the passport isn't so much as ID for purchases, it's more of just security in case my passport gets lost... I'll have all the information should I need a replacement. Plus I print emergency information on the back. I know... so I'm paranoid!!
#18
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: San Diego, CA
Programs: GE, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 15,486
... I was surprised that I had to provide photo ID when I was in Nth America a number of years ago and handed over my CC. That seems a lot more secure than what happens here.
Oh, and if you buy items > 100 or so, keep the receipt and item in your carry on bags at the airport so that you can reclaim the tax back (VAT/tax in UK is 20%). You can search online for 'VAT reclaim uk' for more information.
Oh, and if you buy items > 100 or so, keep the receipt and item in your carry on bags at the airport so that you can reclaim the tax back (VAT/tax in UK is 20%). You can search online for 'VAT reclaim uk' for more information.
#23
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: ELP
Programs: AAdvantage, Amex MR
Posts: 2,309
A passport card sounds like a good investment. Could keep my passport in the hotel safe and still have an acceptable form of ID. Plus it would give me peace of mind at TSA checkpoints too. I have a drivers license from new mexico and it seems like every so often in the news that I hear about that drivers license no longer being acceptable ID due to the Real ID act or something.
I do have a chip and signature card that I will be using. I guess I can bring my passport along with me, just store it in my money belt or neck wallet, whichever I decide to get.
I don't think I will be buying anything expensive to claim VAT. Just a pub meal and a game ticket to England vs Slovenia at Wembley.
My biggest fear is not really being robbed (Save that fear for when I redeem some leftover miles to Rio De Janiero next year) but being scammed as an American tourist. What if I order a pub meal, then the check comes and the place says their credit card machine is not working, and I have no pounds on me. I have heard that some restaurants and stores claim that their credit card reader is not working in an effort to steer the customer into paying cash in order to avoid processing fees. Then when the customer threatens to leave the reader is magically working again. Obviously I would be in a tight spot if I eat the meal first, then the bill comes and they won't take my card and I have no cash on me. I can't just threaten to leave because I have already eaten without paying. I guess to avoid that situation I will be sure to ask if they accept Visa before entering the restaurant.
I do have a chip and signature card that I will be using. I guess I can bring my passport along with me, just store it in my money belt or neck wallet, whichever I decide to get.
I don't think I will be buying anything expensive to claim VAT. Just a pub meal and a game ticket to England vs Slovenia at Wembley.
My biggest fear is not really being robbed (Save that fear for when I redeem some leftover miles to Rio De Janiero next year) but being scammed as an American tourist. What if I order a pub meal, then the check comes and the place says their credit card machine is not working, and I have no pounds on me. I have heard that some restaurants and stores claim that their credit card reader is not working in an effort to steer the customer into paying cash in order to avoid processing fees. Then when the customer threatens to leave the reader is magically working again. Obviously I would be in a tight spot if I eat the meal first, then the bill comes and they won't take my card and I have no cash on me. I can't just threaten to leave because I have already eaten without paying. I guess to avoid that situation I will be sure to ask if they accept Visa before entering the restaurant.
#24
Join Date: Jul 2008
Programs: *A
Posts: 1,390
It could be that other stores just ignore the prompt and don't verify (which tbh is what most places did before the invention of C&P).
#25
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 3,537
I've used my Chase and Citi cards in Sainsburys and Tesco. Every time an alert comes on the screen requiring my signature to be verified. This is even for low value purchases.
It could be that other stores just ignore the prompt and don't verify (which tbh is what most places did before the invention of C&P).
It could be that other stores just ignore the prompt and don't verify (which tbh is what most places did before the invention of C&P).