Yes, life is definitely easier if you have it. Even in France, I had more issues than expected recently.

...Just arrived with no Euros and train ticket machine rejects my card. Machine doesn't accept cash. Ticket office wasn't open so wait around to find out card won't swipe there either. Hit the ATM and then go back to buy in the office in cash. Lots of wasted time that having the chip could avoid.

I mostly use the Chase BA one with no foreign transaction fees but it's worth calling your issuer and asking what's available.