In a recent Chicago Tribune column, Rick mentioned that the Paris Metro was gradually phasing out staffed ticket windows in favor of ticket machines, and that these machines might not take US credit cards because ours are not chipped. Does this apply to ATM machine's as well? My wife and I have always used our ATM's to get cash because they offer the best exchange rate. What's the inside skivvy?
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9109 posts
ATM machines accept our magnetic strip debit cards. In regards to the Paris metro, the ticket machines have never accepted magnetic strip cards. Lot of smaller stations have indeed closed-up their ticket windows. But there is usually a larger station nearby with staffed windows, or you can simply use coins to purchase your tickets at the machines. For instructions on how to us the machines check out this site: http://parisbytrain.com/
Posted by
Sedona
85 posts
I traveled to Europe including Paris this last spring and brought both my debit card (visa logo) and regular ATM card. Used both with no issue. My husband and I were nervous about using them but we found an ATM machine associated with a bank that was near our hotel and used that one for our time in Pairs. Same thing in Venice. No problem. That was you have cash for the machines in the Metro and don't worry about credit cards.
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
We were in Paris last October. No problems with the ATMs with our U.S. ATM card.