Mobile phones & Credit Cards
American citizens visiting the United Kingdom have reported problems when attempting to use their credit cards or mobile phones whilst in the country. The following tips may help you ensure a trouble free visit.
Credit Cards
You can avoid the frustration of not being able to use your credit in the United Kingdom by notifying the credit card company of your overseas travel prior to your departure from the United States. Credit card companies who are unaware of the holders travel abroad will often decline a transaction due to concerns about the fraudulent use of the card.
The United Kingdom uses credit cards with embedded microprocessor chips rather than the magnetic strip technology used in U.S. credit cards. These cards, commonly referred to as chip and pin cards, require the user to punch in a personal identification number instead of signing for the purchase. When making a purchase, be sure to make the cashier aware that you are using a U.S. style credit card which requires them to swipe the card and for you to sign for the purchase. Although U.S. style credit cards are no longer issued in the United Kingdom, most cash registers are still equipped to process transactions this way.
You may, however, continue to experience problems with automated ticket booths such as those found at train and gas stations, as these will usually only accept chip and pin credit cards. A way around this would be to purchase the service on line. Many companies now offer the consumer the opportunity to purchase services before arriving in a country. You may wish to consider checking this out before your departure to the United Kingdom.
Mobile Phones
American cell phones are typically blocked from making calls when used abroad to protect against fraud. Therefore, before traveling, call your provider and ask to have this restriction removed, otherwise you will not be able to use your phone in the United Kingdom.
Excessive phone bills can be avoided by replacing the American SIM card with one purchased from the country that you are visiting. Overseas SIM cards can be purchased before you leave the United States or at local shops in the United Kingdom. If you are thinking of doing this, check with your mobile phone provider. Some companies electronically lock their phones so that only their companies SIM cards are accepted.
Finally if you are bringing your American cell phone to the United Kingdom, make sure the battery charger is dual voltage; if not, all the effort of getting your phone to work in the United Kingdom will be worthless.