Credit/Debit Cards Abroad

[twinkletoes]

Can anyone out there help me please?   Can I use my debit card or credit card in the self-service petrol pumps in France?
twinkletoes

[twinkletoes]

[ACE]

I do when I go abroad. Just inform your bank/card people, then there are no hiccups. I did notice in one petrol station, that I had to go and put my card behind the desk before they would turn the pump on. I refused as I do not let my card out of might sight (cloning etc). But I was short of fuel and not much cash so I got my OH to stand by the kiosk with the card.

Worse thing is paying by card at the toll gates, make sure you have some cash as the machine keeps your card if you make a mistake.

[1066]

Certainly never had any probs with either - tend to be VISA. I do remember having problems with 1 of the credit cards a few years ago in supermarkets but I think they now accept all cards (chip & pin). Certainly all was ok at Xmas
take a selection if in doubt
1066

[twinkletoes]

Thanks Ace.  We are travelling over night through France so will need to refuel at some point which means we'll have to get petrol at one of the unmanned 24 hour stations which, as you know, only take credit/debit cards.  I assume they work the same way as here and you need to put your pin number in and stuff.   I will let my bank know before we go.  Also, thanks for the info re toll road booths - didn't know about that.
Twinkletoes

[twinkletoes]

Thanks 1066 - I have a Visa debit card and a Mastercard credit card so I should get by with those eh? Thanks for the information.  I feel much better now. 
Twinkletoes

[Tulipa]

Twinkletoes,

We had a real problem with the unmanned fuel pumps and others I have spoken to have had the same where the pumps don't accept the UK issued cards, only the french ones.

We had a very stressful journey back to our campsite once and must have been driving on pure fumes!

Whilst there was no problem using the visa in the supermarkets or when the petrol station was open, the automated overnight pump wouldn't accept it in any garage we tried.  It might be worth you contacting someone like the AA to see if it is any better now.

T.

[Pesky Wabbit]

I was told recently that the Nationwide Visa Debit was the best to carry abroad in terms of most widely accepted, no add-on transaction costs and low exchange rates.

I found that the more major the road, the more likely they are to accept UK plastic. I've certainly never had problems on 'E' roads.

How about carrying an extra 5 ltr fuel can. For £7.00 or so, its cheap insurance against running out.

Where abouts in France are you going ?

[Trevor_D]

I think the Nationwide is one of the few cards that doesn't charge you for using it abroad.

And always phone up the credit card company before you go. Both my son & I have been caught by the card being clamped!

[Sinbad7]

Twinkletoes, I have never ever had any problems using my credit cards at self service garages in France or Belgium.  I am sure you will be just fine but Pesky's suggestion is a good one.

Enjoy France.

[Paulines7]

I have a Nationwide Flex account that I use for drawing out money abroad as there are no charges.  See:
http://www.ciao.co.uk/Nationwide_Building_Society__Review_5800532

I also have their credit card as Nationwide don't charge for using it in shops or garages.

From what I have read on a Caravan Forum where many of the members spend many weeks/months on the Continent, you can now use British visa and debit cards in the automatic petrol filling stations including those at the Supermarkets.  This wasn't the case a few years back.  My OH was loathe to try ours out though so we always filled up during the day when the kiosks were open.

I used my visa to pay for the Péage motorways without any problems last year.

[twinkletoes]

I knew I could rely on some help from all you out there  ;D  ;D!!   Thanks for all the info.  It seems that UK cards are mostly accepted in France but that can of "just in case" fuel is probably going to make a little journey with us!  I will make sure to let my bank know I'll be using my cards abroad.  Pesky Wabbit - we are travelling down to the Lot (46)(Cahors).  Really looking forward to it.  A bit apprehensive about using the new satnav though. Only just got it and not entirely confident - will take my map though (just in case  ::)).  (Had to laugh - spell checked satnav and it came up satan....... :-X ;D)
twinkletoes

[1066]

(Had to laugh - spell checked satnav and it came up satan....... :-X ;D)
twinkletoes

I'm sure some people consider it to be the devil's invention when it leads them the wrong way  ;D

I'd also add some cash to my haul - if you get it from the Post Office they don't charge commission on buying or returning

[Bjerreby]

Mastercard and Visa are accepted almost everywhere I've been, but watch out here in enmark, because they'll very often charge you a quid extra for using a card issued by a "non Danish" bank.

I'd say your debit card should have Maestro or Cirrus facilities. That way you can draw cash from a hole in the wall, and there are also many places that accept Maestro and Cirrus.

The comment about road toll booths is very valid. I find the tolls at Vintimiglia very unreliable, and on one occasion my Mastercard was blocked after using it at the Italian / French border. It's very inconvenient being abroad with a blocked credit card and no cash!

[Barnowl]

A lot of places will not accept American Express.

[cambourne7]

also be aware that the law recently changed and you now need to make sure you carry inside the car high vis vests, and you have in the boot a warning triangle, first aid kit along with other stuff there are stiff penelties and they do check !!!

[saddad]

If you are going through the Tunnel Twinkletoes don't fill up your "spare" fuel can before you cross...  :-\

[twinkletoes]

Thanks for the continued info.  Yep, already got all the bits and pieces required by French law - the high viz jacket is not very fetching though!  Not going through Tunnel but is it ok to take spare fuel on the ferry?  I have never understood why American Express is rejected by so many businesses?   ???
Twinkletoes

[kenkew]

A fire extinguisher is also required in all Belgium vehicles. Don't know about visitors, tho.
Hi-vis jackets here are usually slung over the driver's seat so the cops know people are aware. Also shows the cops you are in compliance and more than likely are carrying all the rest of the required stuff.
Might seem obviouse, but take your car doc's and drivers licence. Just don't leave them in an un-attended car. Oh! And a card-board clock thingy for when you park on the street. Parking time limits are becoming more and more common.
PS: A UK 2 pence coin fits all the super-market trollies... :D

[Bjerreby]

Kenkew..........it would have to be a tiny trolley for a 2p piece NOT to fit in!  ;D

[twinkletoes]

Kenkew - what is the card-board clock thingy?  How is it used?  Why?   Sorry to be dense.   ::)  Very good advice about the high viz jacket - will keep that in view in future. 
twinkletoes