I have an overseas card that has a chip and pin (a VISA travel card in GBP). It never works anywhere and is completely useless, EXCEPT on the tube ticket machines where it's accepted without having to enter the pin. Even for tickets in excess of £100. Quite convenient really.
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 use auto-top up as well as a travelcard and it works seamlessly. I've never had it reject my pass and need to retouch when topping up. You can tell you've had an auto-top up when the LED indicator flashes green 4 or 5 times quickly (as opposed to the solid green you normally get).
There was an interesting bit on '
The Tube' TV show the other day, where tourists were complaining to the ticket agent that £4 (now £4.30) was a rip off and way over priced. Never once did she mention that they should get an oyster card and they would make their money back with two trips, even without getting the £5 deposit back!
I really disapprove of the Tourist Tax that these paper tickets are!
P.S. Pro-Tip: Touch don't swipe. Leave the card still when you place it on the reader, don't swipe it or rub it over the reader and it reads much better.