Hi Michele. Finishing up the B&B booking for our trip in May and Mary at the Buntratty Lodgetold me I could no longer reserve the room via credit card because a new law went into effect March 17th that will not allow them to accept paper vouchers for credit? She told me that due to security reasons effective March 17th most banks now require pin and chip (whatever that means) and most Americans don't have it. Can you or anyone else expand on this? Will we be able use our ATM and credit card in Ireland? I would assume so but have no idea what pin and chip is. Sorry to sound ignorant? Maybe this is something that effects them as a business but has no effect on the general public? Also, she told me to mail a check to hold the room. Says it will take approx. 3 days to get to her. Can it really get to her that fast? It can take generaly mail longer than 3 days in the states. Thanks!
Ireland and many other countries have gone to a chip and pin system. A chip is a computer chip embeded in a credit card with info on it. A pin is a PIN number. Those that have a "chip & pin" card input their PIN number instead of signing for it.
I will be visiting Ireland on holidays/on business and my card is not a Chip and PIN card. Will retailers accept it?
Yes. You will continue to be able to use your card as you normally do the retailer will swipe your card and you will need to sign the receipt. While almost all Irish retailers have upgraded their terminals to Chip and PIN technology they will continue to be able to accept non Chip and PIN cards including cards from countries that have not yet adopted the Chip and PIN system.
As for the mail, since airmail probably goes right to Shannon Airport and Bunratty Lodge is nearby, maybe they do get letters in 3 days. Anyway, mail a check and tell her you have done so.