Credit cards with magnetic strips are becoming useless in Europe. U.S. banks have been slow to adopt the technology and it is difficult to obtain a card that works consistently in Europe. Early feedback is the chip and signature cards being adopted in the US will not work consistently in Europe.
Most reasonable method for a Visa chip and pin card
1. Pay $25 for a membership in the United Nations Association of the USA for $25. This allows you to join the UN Federal Credit Union.
2. Become a member and apply for an account at the UN Federal Credit Union. The form is online but requires printing out the completed form and mailing the application along with a copy of your drivers license or passport, proof you are a member of the UNA-USA, and proof of your address with something like a utility bill. Once approved, you need to transfer money into the account. This step could take 3 weeks.
3. Apply for a Visa card like the no fee Azure card. Expect this could take a few weeks.
Decide if the debit card in step 2. is worthwhile taking along with the Visa card.
