On Tuesday I was reading John Heald's blog and got a lesson on Credit Cards, not really what I expected from John Heald, Cruise Director for the Carnival Splendor.
For a while now I've been hearing about the europeans having these mythical credit cards with chips in them. And I've also heard that in some places in Europe if you don't have one of these special cards then you can't use your credit card - the street bike rentals in Paris is one example. I know many are bummed about this, especially since US credit card companies don't seem interested in this model.
I am also aware that thieves, when they steal credit cards, will sometimes go to a gas station to check the credit card, it's an easy place to do it and not have to encounter a person incase it has been reported stolen. I guess the credit cards and gas stations heard about this and many gas stations in the US now ask for your zip code before approving your credit card. Sounds easy. Except if you don't know your zip code (usually people with business cards), or you are from another country and don't have a zip code, as John found out. ACK!
I guess we all have our issues with credit cards and it's not just a plot against non-european bike riders. For those of you visiting the US, bring cash for gas!
