[taneliv]

Yes, at least according to the information I have, the card issuer sets the limit. It's not clear to me if the chip actually has to be physically slotted in for reading it, though. Can the confirm-with-pin step be done without contact, using NFC feature?

[rubslopes]

For me, it'll randomly ask for the pin code as OP reported, but card insertion is never required.

[mschuster91]

Again I guess it depends on the bank. I have to go through the full insert physically so that the contactless-count gets reset. And of course, it always happens when buying a pack of smokes or a drink at a vending machine that does not have a PIN pad -.-