Is there any way we can split the metric conversation and the chip and pin or sig conversation?

Sure. How would you like it split, using inches or centimeters?

I ust recently dined some place that had pay through the opentable app and ApplePay. It actually was quite nice and pretty genius. I was able to review my bill throughout the meal and then pay right in app... they also gave me the choice to tip on the pre or post tax amount. REally really convenient....

But in regards to the main crux of this thread, I prefer having the card reader come to the table. I think the main limitation is that chip+pin offers offline verification allowing the card readers to not need a data connection...

FDW

Rods, chains and links, I think.

i have swiped at the table.

and apple has the iphone with credit card swipe reader for example.

Why is that a limitation?

It may have been back when WiFi wasn't as common but it's not so much now. I don't think it's even possible to buy anything that supports offline transactions any more, at least in the US.

In China many restaurants have Q codes printed on the tables. When you have finished your meal all you need to do is scan your table's Q code with Alipay/Tenpay and pay in the app. I find that less intrusive than having the waitress come to your table with a machine.

clearly pay by phone etc is least intrusive, but not everyone wants pay by phone

there seem to be a TON of mobile pay apps

Are non-Chinese allowed to sign up for Alipay/Tenpay? Do they allow anything other than UnionPay and possibly Discover through the app?

I'm Canadian and I have an account with both Alipay and Tenpay. You do need a mainland China bank account though. A Discover card probably won't do it.

To register with Tenpay you simply have to download the WeChat app and follow the instructions in the "Wallet" tab. It's possible to add a Visa/Mastercard but only Unionpay cards will work in China.

To register with Alipay you need to be in China (you have to send a scan of your Chinese visa and entry stamp) and have a bank account with one of the big commercial banks. The whole process is a pain but once you are in it's great.

Pay at the table: Good
Chip and pin: Good
Chip and signature: Good
"Ziosk" and the like: Bad

As an American who spends a non trivial amount of time abroad, not having chips in my cards has been becoming ever more a pain, because in many cases they can't (or won't) do strips. The cost of updating infrastructure in the U.S. is probably a bigger blocker than user acceptance in this case.

These table tablets, on the other hand, are just one more way to remove human interaction from our lives. If I find myself at an establishment that has them, I immediately set it screen down at the farthest point possible from where I am sitting. They usually get the message.

I love it. I always wonder what is happening in the back when I give them my credit card. Is someone writing down my credit card number?

DON

It seems as though people are fans of the chip and pin technology, but as a Canadian who has been used to this system for years, it has become a headached for me. My debit card(s) has been compromised many times, even with a chip in the card.

As for paying at the table while the wait staff stands there....yes it can be uncomfortable, but i'd prefer that they come to me for payment as opposed to me chasing them down or paying at a pay station.

It probably kept getting compromised because the US is still (but will gradually stop) using magstripe. Sorry :(