I found the self-serve ticket kiosks in France confusing. I finally figured out that although it says "Touch the screen to begin", it does not function as a touch screen after that. To select your language, destination, ticket type, etc, you need to turn a dial or a roller bar to highlight your selection and then push a physical button to "click" on it. Also, be careful of pickpockets around these kiosks, and keep your money/passport/bank cards stored inside a bag or money belt. I just had my phrase book and a mask in my back pockets, which the pickpockets were not interested in! Also, be sure to validate your ticket before boarding the train.
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
20226 posts
Thank you. I love helpful details that make things easier. It would make a good thread maybe?
Posted by
San Francisco
14980 posts
While one is totally focused on how to work that ticket kiosk, the pickpockets will take advantage of that favourable moment for him and the moment of vulnerability for you, unless you can work that ticket kiosk quickly. Worse is when that "machine" is defective and you don't know it, spending more time standing there trying to get it to work but to no avail.