Originally Posted by
teflon
You can use cash or card to purchase or top-up an Oyster card. As you can see, people have had varying experiences of using non-chip cards in ticket vending machines, but you could always try a ticket window where they'll be able to swipe your card.
That poster is from Canada so chip and pin shouldn't be an issue for him.
Originally Posted by
teflon
Despite having used auto-top-up for a few years now, I've still not quite get my head around this one. I think it just requires keeping the card on the reader for a few seconds longer than usual - though if you're not expecting it, it usually results in the card being rejected and requiring a second tap before the gates open.
I've always done the same - just a few seconds longer seems to work.