Originally Posted by number_6

For NZ it depends how remote you are. Chipless cards work only if the online connection verfies the account, even for small transactions (chipped cards pre-approve for <$100 so work without a connection). I found that majority of EFTPOS outside of major cities did not work with a USA card on my 21-day drive around NZ and quickly learned to get cash when I had the chance. Now I make sure to get chipped cards