Using credit/debit cards in France

[Ralf85]

It's holiday time coming round again so this is a message for those who haven't used your cards over there before. Once you have put your card into a machine over there, you have to press the enter button, (bottom right, usually green like over here but not always). Then enter your PIN. Then you press the enter button again to complete the process. If you don't press the enter button first, nothing will happen.

I have helped a number of stranded Brits at gas stations trying to understand this slight difference in using a card at an unmanned petrol station.

Don't forget to collect your receipt from the petrol pump once you have put the nozzle back in to the pump.

Also don't forget to tell your card companies, where you are going to be (and when) before you go. These days, card companies systems tend to treat cards used abroad without being advised in advance, as stolen and can block your card without warning. Not nice!
Happy days!

[AdrianC]

Also don't forget to tell your card companies, where you are going to be (and when) before you go. These days, card companies systems tend to treat cards used abroad without being advised in advance, as stolen and can block your card without warning. Not nice!

The only one I've found so self-centred and arrogant as to think they have a right to demand to know your movements has been Barclaycard (what a surprise!)... Never had an issue with any others. Strangely, they're also the only card company with whose cards we've ever had iffy transactions, too...

Hell, with the internet it's easy to use a card in three or four different countries - continents, even - in one day perfectly legitimately.

[Ian Hulley]

Also don't forget to tell your card companies, where you are going to be (and when) before you go. These days, card companies systems tend to treat cards used abroad without being advised in advance, as stolen and can block your card without warning. Not nice!
Happy days!

Absolutely correct ... and remember it's THEIR credit card just cos it has your name on it makes no difference. Also on the subject of cards check the date on (or make sure you actually have) a EHIC European Health Insurance Card http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcare ... -ehic.aspx it entitles the card holder to the same standard health care provision as you would expect at home.

Ian