buying fuel in france

knightstyle

Yes, you put the card in and follow the instructions to authorise it before the pump is switched on.

simongregson

They used to not accept Uk cards at their automated dispensers but when we went about a year ago all of the automated dispensers worked fine with UK cards.

Best use a credit card if you have one because 1. the pumps reserve 120 euro before a fill up from your balance and 2. The halifax debit card is one of the worst available for use abroad £1.50 fee per transaction and a 3% fee.

citykid5

thanks simon.i didn't know that.will look into the charges.
what a great and knowledgable site. where would we be without it

Gloomendoom

I've never had a problem with Barclaycard Visa. I didn't even know there was an issue. I've used it a automated filling stations all over the place.

The biggest problem I've found is at the supermarket petrol stations where you pay at a kiosk on exit. The kiosk is on the wrong side of the car.

andygb

This link may prove useful in getting the best deal on fuel in France

http://www.prix-carburants.economie.gouv.fr/

Generally though, like Knightstyle, we tend to buy our fuel from SuperU (generally the cheapest), Leclerc (so that we can raid the deli counter and get fresh patisserie) and Carrefour/Auchan. We have never had any problems using UK cards abroad.

citykid5

thanks for the link,very usefull.i think you have all put my mind at rest about useing gb cards for the purchases.i think we probably tried useing ours a couple of years ago now,and havn't tried it again since,so things have probably changed.
gary

gilly1964

Gloomendoom wrote: »

I've never had a problem with Barclaycard Visa. I didn't even know there was an issue. I've used it a automated filling stations all over the place.

The biggest problem I've found is at the supermarket petrol stations where you pay at a kiosk on exit. The kiosk is on the wrong side of the car.

I think you will find the driver is on the wrong side of the kiosk :rotfl:

dampsquib

gilly1964 wrote: »

I think you will find the driver is on the wrong side of the kiosk :rotfl:

Now if you were on the wrong side of the Kiosk, you really would have problems! I find they never answer the back door :rotfl:. Well there was that time with the mask and the gun ....

But on a more serious note, I've never had problems with my Nationwide Visa at Leclerc and SuperU, as mentioned earlier. And it's always worked at Auchan & Carrefour too. When I arrive or depart from Calais, I ususal fill up at Carrefour at the Cite Europe near the Shuttle Terminal, or Auchan on the north side of the motorway. I usually head for the Credit Card lanes at the motorway too and have never had any probs.
I have had problems last year at Cora Hypermarkets. They do a an own-brand wine in a box which I like, so I often shop there, but their gas stations don't like my card.
Another problem I had a few years ago when I got my first diesel and went off to France, I was offered a choice of diesel at the pump: with and without sulphur. I hadn't a clue, so left, eventually found a note in my service manual indicating that my car was designed to run on sulphur free diesel, then went round again.

slinga

I don't drink and drive but wondered what was happening in France re this as posted up above.

slinga

slinga wrote: »

I don't drink and drive but wondered what was happening in France re this as posted up above.

Just found out from a mate that as from sometime soon every car in France MUST carry a breath testing kit.