As advised in Rick Steves France 2009, I purchased train tickets for an upcoming journey from Geneva to Paris via the TGV-Europe site, selecting a non-US English-speaking country. It did not, however, give me the option to print my tickets at home as advised in the book. I'm now being told that I have to pick my tickets up from the SNCF Boutique in Geneva. It has open hours, but I need to know if it is staffed? I've read the notes in the book about American credit cards not having the required micro-chip for using automated ticketing machines, but will that impact my ability to pick up already paid for tickets at the SNCF Boutique (i.e., will I be able to just show my purchasing American credit card)? Thanks.
Posted by
Fort Myers, FL, USA
264 posts
Yes, all SNCF boutiques in Geneva and elsewhere are staffed and also the ticket counters at the train stations. Either can run (swipe) your magnetic strip American credit card and print your tickets. The machines will not read your card. Use the human! Bon Voyage.