Is your Apple Pay being declined in Europe?

Was in Spain, Italy and Greece early June 2024. Apple Pay was declined each time I tried to use it. Called my bank and they said too many fraudulent purchases "using Apple Pay" have been happening so the bank's algorithm is rejecting transactions from the region.

I had prior to travel notified my bank when and where I was traveling.

So when checking out of a 4/5 star hotel in Barcelona, sure enough Apple Pay was declined.

Called my bank on the spot, while an anxious and now suspicious hotel official watched and listened.

Was told about the above regional issues.

Pulled out the actual credit card and the transaction went through perfectly.