Is the cloning of the chip actually necessary if the POS device is a swipe only unit? It is amazing how many retailers/vendors still do not accept chip. My current debit card is chip enabled, and works fine using the chip. However, it is now old enough that the mag stripe is worn off enough that the swipe only readers cannot read the information. I'm constantly being asked if I have another card to use. I always sarcastically ask if they have a different POS device to use that is modern with a chip reader.
I'm not sure what causes it, but Australia always seems to be really homogeneous regarding tech at the POS. As soon as NFC enabled EFTPOS was available from the banks, it felt like everyone already had the POS machine that could read them and chips.
I can't imagine going somewhere and having to use the swipe. Even some dinky rural bodega will have a swanky touch screen EFTPOS machine. I am thinking the banks must cover the cost.
May be a similar system to Denmark, where one of the major POS system sellers operator sort-of on a subscription basis. The retailers don't own the card machines themselves, but the machines are swiftly replaced when card standards are upgraded.
