Velib - Paris

I am interested in this too, and have read two things about it.

First, you need a credit card--and not just any credit card, but a European one with a compatible chip in it. (Most U.S. cards use magnetic strips, not chips.)

Second, Velib at one point said it would make the system compatible with American Express cards with chips. I don't know if that has come to pass.

I use Velib multiple times per week.

You can purchase a pass for one day or one week. Then your first 30 minutes is free - subsequent time increases in price.

Typically what I do - as well as many other Parisians - is to ride for 25 minutes and stop at a station (should I need to continue) and then wait a 5 minutes and then select another bicycle and start another free 30 minutes.

There are many many many stations - typically near Metro stops. During the recent strikes this has been my primary means of transportation.

http://www.en.velib.paris.fr/comment_ca_marche

I recommend this to everyone to try at least once. There are many large streets in Paris that have bicycle lanes as well.

Enjoy !!

Hi Jona! I think, too, you must have room on your credit card for a 150 euro (?) hold, to pay for the bike if you steal it....is that correct?

From the Velib website:

"Obtain a short-term subscription and the first 30 minutes of each journey will be on us. At the end of the validity period, the cost of journey over 30 minutes will be deducted from your bank account together with your subscription fee. You can take out a short-term subscription agreement at any Vélib’ Service Point equipped with terminals.

** A security deposit is required for all short-term subscriptions. A 150 € bank card direct pre-authorization is necessary for this type of subscription. Failure to comply with the General Terms and Conditions of Access and Use may cause parts or the entire deposit amount thereof to be withheld by Vélib’. Total deposit amount will be forfeited if bike is not returned with in 24 hours."

Do they let you use a non-EU credit card?

I know the machines only allow cards with chips, not American-style cards with magnetic stripes. Not sure about American cards with chips. UPDATE: They do accept AMEX and JCB cards.

You can also use the Passe Navigo (Découverte) metro card , which can be loaded with value by cash or credit, to rent the bikes. I can't find any information how that works specifically. UPDATE: Although the Passe Navigo can be loaded by cash or credit for use of the métro, the chip-equipped credit cards are still required - the Passe Navigo is used as a "log-in." The Passe Navigo links you to your Vélib subscription. Hopefully Jona will be able to clear things up a bit!

I have been in Paris a week and it was next to impossible to rent one of the cool Velib bikes. Finally the Paris American Academy which I'm associated with graciously used their Europeon credit card for the deposit, and I paid them the 5E cash for my week. There is no way to pay cash at the kiosks and no real person to talk to. I tried 3 American credit cards, including American Express from Costco, and none worked. If I can find a station in which to buy, I'll post again.

Now if I could just buy an all-inclusive map of the Velib locations :) Maybe post office??

Ruthie

In response to Ruth's post re: where stations are located, last week I bought a very small Arrondisement map book (called Util) at a stationery store in Paris and it marked the Velib sites. But I also saw the Velib stations everywhere. If they could get the American credit card problem fixed, I'd surely try them on my next trip (which I hope is soon!)

You can find pdf maps of all the Velib locations at http://tinyurl.com/5v6t3a . Five regions of Paris to choose from, or one for the entire city. Since they're pdf files, you can zoom in on them.

I believe it is possible to set up your account with Velib over the internet using an American credit/debit card... although it might help to have a French speaking person at your elbow as you work your way through the registration process. Just go to the Velib website and follow the Subscription/Rates path.

We were told that it's common practice to use a bike for 20-25 minutes, then tether it at a pickup/dropoff point and jump on another bike.