In Canada (where the chip & pin is much more prevalent) I find paying via NFC to be a lot easier.

In many stores the credit card terminal is right in front of you. After indicating you'd like to pay via credit, the terminal is "activated" and shows your total owed. At this point you can insert your chip &pin card, or simply tap the card (or your phone) if there is an obvious NFC reader.

From the sounds of your comment, the whole timing of this workflow just isn't very smooth for you since many people are still paying with regular swipe credit cards.

Edit: Speeling!