Seriously. Had used it earlier in the day at another toll booth run by the same company in France, no problem. But this time the card went in and ... nothing. Pushed the button for assistance, and was told that someone would come to fix it -- in about 20 minutes. And, by the way, could we pay for the €15.70 toll in cash ?
Sure glad we weren't rushing to make a plane!! All ended well, card is back in my wallet and we DID have enough cash in small bills and coins. I may start carrying a bag full of €2 coins!
Posted by
New York, NY
4071 posts
I think you are VERY LUCKY to get your credit card back! I've had ATMs eat up my debit card. Never a good thing. Count yourself fortunate! :-)
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10601 posts
Lauri, I'm so happy to hear it worked out for you. I've always paid cash at toll booths. Remind me to tell you about my experience at a toll booth, getting off the autostrada in Lucca. It was a disaster. Of course those experiences always make the best stories!
I hope you and Ed enjoy the rest of your trip!!
Posted by
Portland, Oregon
5687 posts
Glad you got your card back - whew!
But I also wonder: how is your Vodafone SIM working?
Posted by
Huntsville, AL, USA
8319 posts
I always travel with at least two credit cards and two ATM cards with money on the account. I always call all card services to tell them When and where we are traveling. Last week, a gentleman's credit card in a Dublin airport auto rental was rejected as he never notified the card company he was out of the country. Better to be safe than sorry.
Posted by
Berkeley CA
1321 posts
Wow, Lauri! It will evolve into an even better story but it must have been horrible at the time.
I'm glad you got your card back.
Happier trails from here on ...
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
On this site we have a constant discussion about credit cards vs cash as the best way to go. I think 95% cash folks are probably in the minority. But the above is another reason we are close to cash only.
Posted by
Avondale, AZ, USA
23 posts
Had a similar experience a couple years back. The toll booth set up was very confusing for this traveler and his wife. Machine ate my card, we sought assistance, and it was given grudgingly. Likely, I was not the first foolish American he had encountered. Oh, and the happy travelers behind me as we waited for the assistance to arrive. The bag of 2 Euro coins is an excellent idea.
Posted by
OP
San Francisco Bay Area
5697 posts
Yes, Frank, cash is king -- but I remember another trip where we had small bills but not enough to cover a substantial toll (Normandy to Amboise) -- when you put in a €50 bill, the change sounds like you've hit the jackpot!
Andrew H, the Vodafone SIM is working fine. Turns out the rental car came with a GPS so we don't need the Google Maps backup to the (new-to-us) Garmin. Nice to be able to get data on the road, though, just in case. Or make a phone call when nobody's answering the door at a B&B! I'm planning to put some money on the Vodafone account so I can keep it active and use it next trip.
Side note on the credit card -- Chase had just reissued this card three weeks ago because of suspicious activity on the old number -- really glad I didn't need to do that again! And yes, I DID have other credit cards and two debit cards, all appropriately notified to their issuing banks -- but this card is the only one that gives 3x points for travel and restaurants.