As a veteran European traveler I didn't have any qualms about arriving in Paris to start my trip, especially as this was my third time at this airport. After collecting my bag and clearing passport control I headed for the RER station to travel into Paris. On the way there I spotted a cash machine and requested 300 Euros, which I received from the machine in 50 Euro notes.
Arrival at the RER ticketing area presented a busy scene. Options were to buy a ticket into Paris from one of the many machines or stand in a very long line to buy a ticket from the ticket office. Obviously heading for the machines, I found out the hard way that American style magnetic strip credit cards do no work, only the chip style cards. Cash is an option at the machine but either only coins, or coins and small denomination bills, 50 Euro bills weren't going to work.
What to do?? A fellow traveler who I spoke with pointed out the money change machine, that sadly was out of order that day. Still not wanting to stand in the long line, I sought out a place to buy something that would result in the correct change to buy the 9.75 Euro ticket. A small store is located just to the left side of the ticket office so I headed there. I purchased a bottle of water using a 50 Euro note, unfortunately I was no where close to having correct change after this purchase. I then attempted to purchase another small item but the clerk, who figured out what I was up to, refused to sell me anything. She then told me she could sell me an all day RER & Metro pass that would get me into the city for 25 Euros. I happily paid up and made my way to the RER train.
In Rick's books and TV shows he has warned of the dangers of pickpockets many times. I thought that my wallet was safe in my back pocket as this pocket was secured with a buttoned loop. As it turns out this is not a problem for the pickpockets of Paris. Somewhere in the Chatelet Metro station I was relieved of my wallet, the buttoned up back pocket apparently not presenting much of a challenge to the thief. Thankfully my passport was in my front pocket. I'm sure glad I was traveling with my daughter who arrived earlier. It would have been tough to buy food with no credit cards or cash.