Originally Posted by
youreadyfreddie
I was in the UK in October and when I used my Visa card I told the cashier that I didn't have a pin before they completed the transaction and they did something that allowed me to just sign for it instead of entering a PIN. I only did it a few times, but in each case the cashier knew exactly what to do and was very nice about it. This was in London and Liverpool.
The UK has gone over to chip and pin - however there should be no problem with signing if you do not have a pin code - most of my cards are chip and pin and most but not all will ask for your pin instead of a signature, Some outlets still require a signature. My Amex Gold Card is not chip and Pin and if I find a place where I can actually use that card I always have to sign.
As for new Chip and Pin cards making it the card holder (and not the card issuer) who now gets stuck with the problem if fraud occurs - this is nonsense. Mrs Northants JP recently had someone get her credit card details and purchase various items, she was merely asked to confirm that she had not given anyone permission to use her card and had not given the pin number to anyone. Chip and Pin similarly does not stop misuse over the internet / phone.
It's not just Europe, New Zealand, I recall has something like Chip and Pin.