Velib bicycle rental in Paris

Unless you own an American Express card (they're a sponsor of it), the kiosks don't accept U.S. MC/Visa cards. You can get around it by booking via the website.

Will they accept US-issued American Express cards? They don't have an embedded chip like European cards.

The Kiosks accept magnetic strip cards....but only American Express magnetic strip cards. It's a sneaky trick by AE since they sponsor it.

Be aware that Velib, as in other citiers, is intended for local point-to-point commuters, not tourists. The rates per half hour or hour actually go up the longer you keep the bike.

Be aware that Velib, as in other citiers, is intended for local point-to-point commuters, not tourists. The rates per half hour or hour actually go up the longer you keep the bike.