And I’m not even going to make the “and lots of it!” joke. * Interesting article concerning Europe’s credit card companies completing the transition to a “chip and PIN” system for their credit cards.  That is, Euro-issued VISA/Mastercards/etc. now require a PIN to complete a transaction (much like an American bankcard). An ever-increasing number of retailers have begun to accept these types of credit cards exclusively, which leaves American travelers trying to pay with plastic out in the cold.  Something to keep in mind your next time over.
*Because.