Why Does My Credit Card Have a Chip?

All debit and credit cards here have a golden stamp on them like the one in the picture. This stamp is a computer chip.  You see, unlike the American system where we just swipe our credit cards and keep it moving, here they use a chip and pin system. So when you make your purchases, your card will be inserted into a chip reading machine and you'll be asked to enter your PIN. Its basically the same process as buying things with a debit card back home. But with one more PIN/password for you to remember.

Does your card not have a golden stamp?  Then its probably American (which you should keep!).  But don't worry.  You can still swipe your card to make purchases. But you'll probably have to explain it to the cashier as most aren't accustomed to dealing with 'swipe' cards. Some may even insist that you have to enter a PIN even after you tell them the card must be swiped. They will search your card in vain for the telltale yellow chip. But after a few frustrating moments, it'll dawn on them that they need to swipe it. If not, just throw an American fit, demand to see a manager and then kindly suggest that the manager do a better job training their people.