Using CrediT Cards In france

zeberdy

Has anyone else has experiences of UK credit cards not working in automatic
payment devices in France ? I believe some UK cards have adifferent Chip ?

I haave had carrd declined at a fuelstation before and had to pay in euros a pain.

A list of those cards that work and dont work would be really helpful ?

Regards


Zeberdy

martyn4764

Hi

In general, UK cards will work fine in shops etc.

They don't work in automated paypoints, so you'll need to buy petrol while there's a staffed kiosk available.

wyebird

martyn4764 wrote: »

Hi

In general, UK cards will work fine in shops etc.

They don't work in automated paypoints, so you'll need to buy petrol while there's a staffed kiosk available.

Yes that's right, you can pay by card at the kiosk, but not at the pump, so always make sure you have plenty of petrol on Sundays and public holidays, because finding a manned station can be difficult, as we found to our cost! You will find that in some outlets you still have to sign for your purchases even though your card is chipped and then you may have to produce passport esp if you are near the Channel ports, where, I guess, a lot of stolen cards end up on a booze and fags run!
You may also get asked whether you want the transaction in Euros or Sterling. Don't know what the best is here. Last time OH did one and I did the other and Euros came out best, but might this vary? Anybody know about this one?
Thanks

Dazza.mk_2

If you have a card that doesn't charge a fee for foreign transactions (ie Nationwide/Post Office) Sterling should be best 100% of the time if not you won't notice a great deal of difference as the charge from your card in Sterling is usually 2.75% and charge from retailer in Sterling is usually circa 3%

thumshie

always ask for it in local currency. The vendor will normally use an exchange rate in their favor, not yours.

zeberdy

Thanks for the replies the Problem i have is I have booked a cheap hotel and access is vi acredit card after 9pm so looks like I will have a problem only found this out recently not sure of a way round it yet .

May have to upgrade to more expensive hotel ?


Zeberdy

martyn4764

zeberdy wrote: »

Thanks for the replies the Problem i have is I have booked a cheap hotel and access is vi acredit card after 9pm so looks like I will have a problem only found this out recently not sure of a way round it yet .

May have to upgrade to more expensive hotel ?


Zeberdy

Something like a BB / Formule1? I think their machines are OK, as you're only identifying yourself, rather than authorising a payment.

If it's a BB, they're often staffed outside the hours they say anyway.

ratttyo

Well I have had experinece of Uk credit cards not working abroad. Germany has been a problem for me. Thats why its best to have a Mastercard too.

Dazza.mk_2

Yes, Germany is still very much a cash economy and outside of major cities it can at times be difficult to find places that take credit card.

In fact in can still be best to have a Mastercard over VISA (one of the places there is much difference) as Mastercard operating over the old Eurocard network (equivalent to UK Access card) was slightly more widespread.

But if going to Germnay always make sure you've got ample cash!

wyebird

My card has always worked in the hotel machines in France and Sp.ain