In a data carrier (1) which includes receiving means (5) for receiving a modulated carrier signal (MTS) which contains a data signal (DS1) encoded in conformity with an encoding method (MA, PW, MI, RTZ, FSK, PSK), demodulation means (9) for demodulating the received modulated carrier signal (MTS) and for outputting the encoded data signal (DS1) contained therein, decoding means (10, 20) for decoding the encoded data signal (DS1) and for outputting data (D1, D2), and data processing means (11) for processing the data (D1, D2) output by the decoding means (10, 20), the decoding means (10, 20) are provided with at least a first decoding stage (12) and a second decoding stage (13), the first decoding stage (12) being arranged to decode a data signal (DS1) encoded in conformity with a first method (RTZ) whereas the second decoding stage (13) is arranged to decode a data signal (DS1) encoded in conformity with a second method (MI).