Just because you have a Credit card with a chip, it does not mean it will work in other countries. I have had personal experience of this. My French card will not work in Holland at all, but no probs, they just swipe it in the old fashioned way. My UK Visa card works Ok in France and Holland about half the time, but my UK Mastercard will not work in France at all
I have been onto the Various Banks about this and have been told that its normal as different counties chips/readers are different
Blueskis, It does seem to be the French that have that problem the most, But Im well past the stage where I get pissed about it now, its not my problem, and the establishment will find a way around the problem if they want to get paid.......
Regards, SD..