Refused only on tollroads abroad !
I just returned from one of my regular, prolonged visits to Europe with France in particular, and had no problems in regular stores like supermarkets in the various countries. However the French toll roads posed a problem and that's where I couldn't use the card and no, I never call ahead.
Would the system be aware of my frequent visits ?
However, after I did call ahead a few months ago to report intended use in Peru, none of my credit or debit cards would work, including ATM's.
Had to exchange $$$ for sol on the black market, luckily with a much better result.