Credit/Debit Cards Abroad

[asbean]

The cardboard clock thingy is a fantastic invention, I had one in my car in Italy. It's a clock face with a hand you move round to say what time you've arrived at a parking space where you're allowed free parking for x amount of time, so the traffic warden knows how long you've been there.  Available from garages or supermarkets there, don't know about other countries.  It's kept on the dashboard or stuck to the windscreen.  In fact, I think cars for disabled people had them at one time in this country.

Another things is spare bulbs - always carry them.

[asbean]

[Lady of the Land]

We have had a problem at an automated petrol station in France. Virtually out of fuel we stopped, it would not accept card. Started car again and moved a few yards before car just stopped- could not get it started. Eventually had to call garage- its a mercedes and they have full breakdown cover for life time of car but found out they do not cover private roads and as was toll road this is counted as private. Found out that although car had small amount of fuel showing on indicator due to heat (was extremely hot that day) it had vapourised so in effect was giving incorrect reading. Garage charged us = only went a mile down the road of into village. Hubby complained when we got back re private road and no breakdown service and got the money back charged by garage.