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#938354 by mitsuboy
13 Sep 2017, 03:09
Good day everyone. I have a quick question. I am travelling from Barbados to England on Saturday, and my country has a very small limit on how much cash I can change to foreign currency. I have a VISA Debit card associated with my account and with to use it while in the UK. The problem is, this particular card is not the Chip and Pin type, but the old magnetic strip type. Can I use this in the UK? especially at ATM's? Any help is greatly appreciated.
#938357 by SlimpyJones
13 Sep 2017, 06:28
Hello :)

Yes you should be fine to use it still. I believe ATMs just use the magnetic strip anyway, and as for paying for things, just mention you don't have chip and PIN and you'll sign for the goods/services when you come to use your card.
Visitors from the US have the same thing as most of their cards are not chip and PIN yet!

As for a withdrawal limit, I couldn't speculate I'm afraid, would be best to chat with your bank about how much you could take out!
#938368 by Eggtastico
13 Sep 2017, 10:20
the invention of Chip & Pin was due to fraud reasons.
ie If fraud is committed with Chip & Pin then the retailer is protected
If fraud is committed on a card that was not chip & pin and using the old magnetic strip & signature, then retailers are not protected.
So dont be surprised if some retailers refuse a non chip & pin card.
#938379 by marshy11
13 Sep 2017, 11:50
http://www.chipandpin.co.uk/overseas/visitor.html

If the retailer asks you to sign, don't be offended if they ask for additional ID/signature proof.
#938389 by mitsuboy
13 Sep 2017, 18:50
Thank you for the responses. I am not too worried about being able to use it to pay for items, I'm more concerned about using it at the ATM's. I would like to be able to have cash to make purchases, and just want to be able to withdraw some cash if needed. So, if the simple magnetic type will work at ATM's, I'm happy
#938391 by pjh
13 Sep 2017, 19:29
mitsuboy wrote:Thank you for the responses. I am not too worried about being able to use it to pay for items, I'm more concerned about using it at the ATM's. I would like to be able to have cash to make purchases, and just want to be able to withdraw some cash if needed. So, if the simple magnetic type will work at ATM's, I'm happy


Have you checked with your bank that they will allow it to be used overseas? I am still expected to notify my bank here in the UK when and in what country I plan to use an ATM. Otherwise you may find your card declined and needing to make some expensive phone calls back home.
#938399 by mitsuboy
13 Sep 2017, 22:24
Yes, I've let them know but the person I spoke to couldn't give a confident answer, so that put me to ask a question here
#938403 by pjh
14 Sep 2017, 07:46
mitsuboy wrote:Yes, I've let them know but the person I spoke to couldn't give a confident answer, so that put me to ask a question here


From a physical point of view it will work. As others have said, ATM technology is based on magnetic strip. However your bank's policies on fraud may lead to a block an attempted withdrawal when the systems classify a transaction as abnormal, which may well be the case for an ATM card being used in a foreign country. Both my banks in the UK request that I let them now when and where I am travelling if I intend to use my card for withdrawing cash.
#938435 by mitsuboy
15 Sep 2017, 01:54
Thanks again for the replies. I have informed the bank of my travel plans so it should be good on that end. I just wanted to get some advice from people who actually use UK ATM's. I think I got the answer i needed, so thanks again
#938450 by pjh
15 Sep 2017, 17:27
mitsuboy wrote:Thanks again for the replies. I have informed the bank of my travel plans so it should be good on that end. I just wanted to get some advice from people who actually use UK ATM's. I think I got the answer i needed, so thanks again


Excellent. Have a great time when you get here.
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