Arroving in Paris in 2 weeks. Have passport photos for Carte Orange transportation passes...but as I have searched the web tonight I have found out that the Carte Orange is being rapidly replaced by the Passe Navigo Decouverte....Has anyone recently returned from Paris or there now with info about this. ALSO...have seen a lot writen about credit card usage from the US not working because of NO "smart chip"! Can this be bypassed by manually swiping the US cards, VISA, MC, AEX, and giving your PIN?? Very disturbing potential disruption in travel plans. Thanks ED
Posted by
Paris, France
506 posts
Ed -
You will be able to use your US credit cards in most places - they have the ability to swipe and no problem in ATMs. Where you will fall into trouble is with kiosks in France such as at the Metro. You will have to go to the information window instead.
The Carte Orange is still currently available and should be for your arrival.
All the information you need on Paris travel options is at the RATP website - there are limited sections in English.
Posted by
OP
Dallas, Texas, USA
21 posts
Merci, Jona,
It is especially nice to hear from someone there in Paris. I will be travelling with my wife and 2-13 year old girls, one my g-daughter for her 13TH. They're pretty excited,as I am about showing her the beautiful city of Paris.
I understand we can purchase our Carte Orange on Sunday for the following weeek, is that so?
Merci.
ED
Posted by
Paris, France
12 posts
Hi Ed,
Try this site. It may answer some of your questions. I live in Paris as well and have no problem using my credit cards from the states. I do suggest you notifying your credit card companies and letting them know you will be in France, what dates, and get numbers to call if you have a problem. Sometimes it does happen where the card is refused. Don't panic or get upset. Just call your credit card company or try another. This has only happened to me maybe 4 times in 25 years of traveling here.
Steve