Self service gas pumps vs. US style credit cards.

You have to plan ahead to make sure you will not need fuel when it is unavailable. When my gas tank reaches 1/2 empty, I try to refuel then; I refuel on Saturday to avoid needing gas on Sundays; etc. It just takes a little foresight once you become aware of the limitations. You were lucky to find someone to help you.

I don’t think there’s a good solution. You’re probably going to just need to ensure you have enough cash on hand to pay for gas out of pocket while there’s still an attendant around, or make sure you have enough gas to get where you’re going beforehand. I’ve always used a debit card at ATMs for cash and some credit cards for other purchases, but I’ve always paid cash for diesel in France and Germany. The European chip and PIN and the French debit card compatibility issues can be problematic in some areas…retailers are supposed to accept Mastercard and Visa-branded cards with the “old” magnetic strip. Good luck.

Both posts are spot on. Gas stations are a problem without a good workaround solution, except to follow the advice given above, which is: 1) plan ahead so that you don't let your fuel tank get below 1/22) plan ahead to fill up during the day when attendants are there to take your cash3) plan ahead to always have enough cash in your pocket, at today's rising gas prices that can be the euro or pound equivalent to approx $40 for 1/2 a tank, more if you have let the tank get below 1/2.

I'll just add on to what previous posters have said by adding that foreign travel requires adjustment of attitudes that you didn't even know you had, and not just about keeping your gas tank topped off. I've lost count of how many times we've been to Europe, and I'm still learning. Besides the fuel issue, I now try to keep at least 50 euros cash on hand and get more when I go below that. Especially when traveling in rural areas, you never know when the only bank in town's atm will be down; or whether it will be in your network; or even if there will be a bank. We North Americans have gotten spoiled by the very long business hours and 7 days/week openings, and acceptability of cc's. In much of Europe, especially the south, places of business observe Sunday and often another 1/2 day closing, mid-day breaks of 2hours or more, and work on a cash basis. BTW, back on the gas issue, some self-serve stations have machines that take cash.

The other alternative is to buy gas on the Autoroutes. The stations are open 24/7 and take American credit cards. But they are more expensive.

Last summer driving around Brittany, Normandy, and up to Calais, we found that every gas station with an attendant accepted American credit cards. And we were in some pretty "out-of-the-way" areas in Brittany. Also, maybe everyone but us knows this, but diesel fuel is labeled "gazole" in France.

There are still many stations in France that take cash after hours ,but you have to know how to do it.There is a thing to put your cash in and it looks like a bancomat, but it has the pump numbers on it. You put in a 10 or 20 euros first, then more as you need it. No change.