Mondex unveils euro smartcard

NEWS Mondex has released a smartcard that can support multiple currencies, including the euro. The company claims to be three to four years ahead of its opposition. Smartcards are predicted to speed up acceptance of the euro by allowing people to shop with it before the actual coins and notes become available in 2002. However, a spokeswoman for Mondex's arch-rival, Visa said: "The issue of the currency on the card is really a red herring. What is important is acceptance and interoperability - making cards that are accepted across Europe." She added that by early 2000, common standards will be agreed, at which point cards will be used across Europe regardless of the currency.