Can you still buy things with a card thats NOT chip and pin?

[Cies]

DH and I are going back to UK on a visit, and would like to use our credit card there. But, it's a Spanish one that doesn't have a chip.

Is it still possible to pay for things without a chip?

I have taken money out at a cashpoint before, but this time we're planning on buying lots and don't want the hassle of getting cash out each day.

[CuckooClockWorkShy]

Sometimes the machines will request a signature,butthat's random apparently. So it is POSSIBLE.

[TheDevilWearsPrimark]

I have been doing this for the last couple of days. I got a new card but am still waiting for my pin so I've just been signing. I've had no problems at all.

[NotQuiteCockney]

Foreign cards can be used without a pin, from what I know. There's no way that British businesses are refusing the money of foreign visitors!

[Cies]

Ok, that's reassuring.

I was wondering about the fact that it has no chip. Would it work in the new machines? Here in Spain they still swipe the magnetic strip.

[Cies]

That's true NotQuiteCockney! No one's going to turn away business!

[Cies]

Oh, no, I haven't. I'll do that now. Thanks!

[unclefluffy]

We once had to take our business across the road because the staff in the shop were too young to remember what happens when your card hasn't got a chip! We did explain, but they couldn't get their heads around it. Only happened once, though.

[Cies]

unclefluffy!

[Skramble]

Most of the machines have a slot to swipe the card or its on the till its self, you may encouter a few that can't or won't process your card, best to ask first before eating the 3 course special I suppose .

[ghosty]

MY non chip and pin NZ credit card was refused a few times in a recent trip to the UK. It made me incandescant with rage and I stormed out of a chemist on one occasion. So, yes, some stupid businesses do turn away visitors' money . It was mainly in small shops that that happened. Some shops asked me for photo ID before getting my signature (which I was happy to supply).