Does anyone have some firsthand information regarding renting the Velib bikes in PAris. I went to the web site but it wont translate for some reason. I have heard that non-EU Bank Cards wont work, they will work, you can get a pass, etc. I lke the spontaneous aspect of getting a bike and riding to a destination then grabbing another. I have rented from Fat Tire before but would like the freedom to go point to point or ride to a location then walk to another. Thanks in advance for any feedback. Merci!
Posted by
San Francisco/Marin County
9422 posts
The only way you can use a Velib bike is if you have a cc with a chip, an American Express cc, or a pre-paid chip card. Read the thread in the "Europe" section titled "Source for Chip/Smart Cards".
Posted by
OP
Kansas City
56 posts
It appears that an American Express card will work if I understand some of the other links correctly. I don't have one but could get one I suppose. It seems like a grand idea. It is easy enough to get around, just want the added adventure.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32219 posts
Curt, One point to mention is that American Express has several types of cards, so you'll have to specify that you want a "chip & PIN" card. After looking at their website, I suspect the c&P cards are being issued through their Canadian branch. While you may be able to use the AmEx card to access the Velib Bicycles, you'll probably have trouble finding merchants that accept it for meals, Hotels or whatever. AmEx is accepted at far fewer locations in Europe than Visa and MasterCard. Happy travels!
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9101 posts
Ken, The Velib machines accept American Express magnetic strip cards. They're a sponsor of the the program. AE doesn't offer a chip&pin card in the US.
Posted by
OP
Kansas City
56 posts
Funny coincidence today, I got a American Express application in the mail today so I called on it and at least from the person I spoke to today she indcated that AE cards in the US do not have the 'chip and pin' feature. I think I am going to get it just in case but it appears iffy at best if I will be able to use the bikes. Thanks everyone!
Posted by
Hermosa Beach, CA, USA
277 posts
I considered using AmEx cards for the Velib, but I don't have one and the annual fee I saw was $150. You could buy a bike for that.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32219 posts
@Michael Schneider, Thanks for the clarification. Previous posts here gave me the impression that AmEx was issuing limited "chip & PIN" cards in the U.S. I'm assuming therefore that the Velib readers are equipped to "read" magnetic stripes as well as chips?
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9101 posts
The Velib kiosks only only read American Express magnetic cards...sneaky trick by AE. AE's blue card used to be available in the US as a chip & pin...but they discontinued it.
Posted by
Anacortes, WA, US
56 posts
We have American Express cards through our Costco membership. These cards have no annual fee, over our annual Costco membership, and we have earned enough money back with them to more than pay for our annual membership. My assumption is they will work with the Velib bikes. We will see next month.
Posted by
Anacortes, WA, US
56 posts
Francoise, I certainly will let you know. I Googled the street view of our place on the Ile de la Cite, and there is a Velib stand just across our street, so whether I actually brave the traffic or not, I will check one out just to see if I can. I will be posting a trip report in June (probably on Fodor's - if I can use that name on this site) when I get back, and will give details. Glad you like our little town. Our place is on the Guemes Channel, on the way to the Ferry to the San Juan Islands. Next time you are passing by, stop in for a cuppa.