If you have not heard of them, you are in good company. A lot of people in the US don't know about the EMV Smart Cards.
Throughout a lot of the world, people use chip and pin credit cards. They are the thing in Europe; more secure and used everywhere. Not unexpectedly, they are not available here... because as always, we do things our own way in the US. But that is changing, and this year they are becoming available at some banks.
Just not at mine.
So the worry is, can you use your "swipe and sign" credit card in Europe?
Yes.
And no.
Most places I have been able to use my existing cards, but once in France at a toll booth I had to scramble for "small money" (coins) and once in Germany I could not use my card at a restaurant. So I have been lucky so far.
BUT... they keep saying that the swipe and sign cards are on the way out.
So, do you need one? Not yet, at least I haven't.
Do you want one? I sure do, but until my credit card company offers it, and with the terms I want, I am waiting.
There is always cash.