As has been mentioned on this post before, it seems TGV site allows all train schedule options in France, whereas Rail Europe is more limited. I want to bk thru TGV site, but only prob. is ticket retrieval - can someone tell me about this issue w/ paying w/ a cred. card that must have a "chip"??? How would I know if mine does?? I am an American and hold a "citibank VISA" card, as well as some regular Mastercards, like even a Sears Mastercard. Should I call cc company? I would like to bk. now on TGV site and have it issued at kiosque in France. Pls Help!!!
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
No problem. The ticket machines in French stations only accept cards with embedded chips, but the people at the station windows or at a boutique (ticket shop) will swipe your card. Even if the only choice you are given on the tgv-europe site when you book is to retrieve your ticket from a machine, you can always go to the window or to a boutique.
Posted by
Springfield, VA, USA
283 posts
I booked four tickets on the TGV through this website two years ago. I paid with a US credit card, no problem. Then, I was allowed to print the tickets at home. Printed tickets like this cannot be used at the validation machines in the train stations. As long as you have a US Passport, the conductor will scan the bar code and punch the ticket. Without a passport, out of luck. It has to be a non-French passport.
I don't know if it has changed, but it was quick and easy to do.