Right I know this is the stupidest question ever, and I have paid for stuff with my card quite a few times in the past but I'm having amnesia today and need an answer pronto!!
So I'd be inserting it with the security number side facing me?
No, you need the raised numbers facing you. There are usually even little pictures on ATMs and Chip&Pin machines to show you which way round it goes...
So I'd be inserting it with the security number side facing me?
No the security number is usually on the back of the card on the signature strip.
The chip should be on the front of your card. When you put the card into the machine the chip should be facing upwards and it should be the side closest to the chip that goes in first.