Definitely need the chip and pin cards in UK and Europe. Tried an American credit card in Romania, for example, and there was no way for it to be accepted. Some places, like airports, may handle, but the further away you get from the transit facilities the harder is will be to go nonchip and pin.
Originally Posted by
JimLtravels
I agree with tearsplash. I lived in London for a few years and it is important to have a local bank account. They will issue a chip and pin debit card which is also very important to have in the UK. Chip and pin cards are not common in the US yet.