BMW Triumphant
Ed Kilner #176066
Certainly worth a try. My postal code is V0E 1B5, so I guess what you are suggesting is punching in 01500 - which certainly doesn't sound like any US postal code but who knows what works in this rather insane system. Paul, another tip I remember is calling your credit card company to let them know you will be travelling wherever and making small purchases - so they DON'T flag your credit card.
Had another embarrassing credit card situation many years ago when the limit on our card was rather low. Made several small purchases in Seattle (nobody cared about our postal code) then went to Reno. Had a couple hundred dollars cash for gambling and, very fortunately, won a couple hundred dollars at black jack. Turned out the credit card bill arrived after we left Canada and the card would not cover our hotel bill. Paid the hotel bill from my winnings, then lost the $200 cash. But at least I didn't have to take a job as a dishwasher to get back home. Though we now have much higher credit limits, think having a second card is a bright idea when you travel.
The rudeness and inconsideration several of you speak of - well don't know if it is a difference between small towns vs major cities or a difference between Canada and the US - but I am pretty impressed lately of the consideration around here that motorists accord pedestrians, bike riders, even other motorists that want to get out of a parking lot. When I am the beneficiary, I of course wave. And I try to pay it back. Really can't remember ever getting the middle finger salute.
Nobody has yet suggested why a Canadian credit card works fine at most US establishments except gas stations. Maybe I will call MasterCard and try to find out.
The trick with just putting in the numbers and padding with zeros works because the postal code is one of the things on the magnetic stripe, I have been told.
And, both American Express and Visa told me I no longer have to phone them to say I'm travelling, but Mastercard said thanks. This was just this February before going to Hawaii.