Travelling in France
May 25th 2005, 4:12 am
#16
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Travelling in France
> If one were to follow your advice, one would never use a bank card... If you
> know the number and the expiry date of a card - whether the card is magnetic
> or with a chip - you may order from many shops by telephone...
That's true, that why I erase the last four numbers of my cards and
memorize them, another safety measure is to erase the
magnetic track and use only the chip ( France and Belgium only ).
> Why would an ATM be safer is the bank is open ? ATM's are free-standing
> machines, outside the bank, and people inside don't watch what is going on
> around the machine...
I will tell you why.
Scams occurs on Sundays because when your card is caught by a "collet
marseillais" or another trick you can't go to the bank to get your card
back so it's very safe for the scammers.
> Beside, if you carry all your cash in your pocket, then there is a real
> danger - not only in France...
True, that's why the traveller cheques exist.
> know the number and the expiry date of a card - whether the card is magnetic
> or with a chip - you may order from many shops by telephone...
That's true, that why I erase the last four numbers of my cards and
memorize them, another safety measure is to erase the
magnetic track and use only the chip ( France and Belgium only ).
> Why would an ATM be safer is the bank is open ? ATM's are free-standing
> machines, outside the bank, and people inside don't watch what is going on
> around the machine...
I will tell you why.
Scams occurs on Sundays because when your card is caught by a "collet
marseillais" or another trick you can't go to the bank to get your card
back so it's very safe for the scammers.
> Beside, if you carry all your cash in your pocket, then there is a real
> danger - not only in France...
True, that's why the traveller cheques exist.
May 25th 2005, 5:48 pm
#17
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Travelling in France
pikatxu wrote:
>> If one were to follow your advice, one would never use a bank
>> card... If you know the number and the expiry date of a card -
>> whether the card is magnetic or with a chip - you may order from
>> many shops by telephone...
> That's true, that why I erase the last four numbers of my cards and
> memorize them,
In France, receipts from credit card payments don't show the complete card
number any more. But of course the numbers are still on the seller's
receipt.
> another safety measure is to erase the
> magnetic track and use only the chip ( France and Belgium only ).
But then you are limited to travelling in France and Belgium...
>> Why would an ATM be safer is the bank is open ? ATM's are
>> free-standing machines, outside the bank, and people inside don't
>> watch what is going on around the machine...
> I will tell you why.
> Scams occurs on Sundays because when your card is caught by a "collet
> marseillais" or another trick you can't go to the bank to get your
> card back so it's very safe for the scammers.
These scams exist, of course, but the chance of being caught by such a scam
is quite remote...
>> Beside, if you carry all your cash in your pocket, then there is a
>> real danger - not only in France...
> True, that's why the traveller cheques exist.
Oh ? These dinosaurs are still around ? I stopped using them about 30 years
ago... They are a pain in the neck...
Don't be paranoid : every action involves a certain amount of risk -
starting with crossing the street.
>> If one were to follow your advice, one would never use a bank
>> card... If you know the number and the expiry date of a card -
>> whether the card is magnetic or with a chip - you may order from
>> many shops by telephone...
> That's true, that why I erase the last four numbers of my cards and
> memorize them,
In France, receipts from credit card payments don't show the complete card
number any more. But of course the numbers are still on the seller's
receipt.
> another safety measure is to erase the
> magnetic track and use only the chip ( France and Belgium only ).
But then you are limited to travelling in France and Belgium...
>> Why would an ATM be safer is the bank is open ? ATM's are
>> free-standing machines, outside the bank, and people inside don't
>> watch what is going on around the machine...
> I will tell you why.
> Scams occurs on Sundays because when your card is caught by a "collet
> marseillais" or another trick you can't go to the bank to get your
> card back so it's very safe for the scammers.
These scams exist, of course, but the chance of being caught by such a scam
is quite remote...
>> Beside, if you carry all your cash in your pocket, then there is a
>> real danger - not only in France...
> True, that's why the traveller cheques exist.
Oh ? These dinosaurs are still around ? I stopped using them about 30 years
ago... They are a pain in the neck...
Don't be paranoid : every action involves a certain amount of risk -
starting with crossing the street.
May 25th 2005, 10:20 pm
#18
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Travelling in France
> In France, receipts from credit card payments don't show the complete card
> number any more. But of course the numbers are still on the seller's
> receipt.
the accountant has it, but at least the waiter/cashier hasn't.
> These scams exist, of course, but the chance of being caught by such a scam
> is quite remote...
and if you use the ATMs when the banks are open, there is no chance at
all, then why arguing ?
> Oh ? These dinosaurs are still around ? I stopped using them about 30 years
> ago... They are a pain in the neck...
I am not a big fan either to be perfectly honest.
But the cards' technology is obsolete too, there is no point in
defending them.
> Don't be paranoid : every action involves a certain amount of risk -
> starting with crossing the street.
What I try is to manage this risk...
> number any more. But of course the numbers are still on the seller's
> receipt.
the accountant has it, but at least the waiter/cashier hasn't.
> These scams exist, of course, but the chance of being caught by such a scam
> is quite remote...
and if you use the ATMs when the banks are open, there is no chance at
all, then why arguing ?
> Oh ? These dinosaurs are still around ? I stopped using them about 30 years
> ago... They are a pain in the neck...
I am not a big fan either to be perfectly honest.
But the cards' technology is obsolete too, there is no point in
defending them.
> Don't be paranoid : every action involves a certain amount of risk -
> starting with crossing the street.
What I try is to manage this risk...
May 26th 2005, 1:55 am
#19
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Travelling in France
Norm <[email protected]> wrote:
> Do restaurants and cafes in France generally take credit cards.
Yes. But be prepared for waiter unfriendiness if you want to pay a bill
under 10 euros (in a café for example) with a CC.
I'm sorry - that's France :-)
--
inversez "kertanguy" et "de" pour me joindre
> Do restaurants and cafes in France generally take credit cards.
Yes. But be prepared for waiter unfriendiness if you want to pay a bill
under 10 euros (in a café for example) with a CC.
I'm sorry - that's France :-)
--
inversez "kertanguy" et "de" pour me joindre
May 26th 2005, 4:06 am
#20
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Travelling in France
Stanislas de Kertanguy wrote:
> Norm <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>
>>Do restaurants and cafes in France generally take credit cards.
>
>
> Yes. But be prepared for waiter unfriendiness if you want to pay a bill
> under 10 euros (in a café for example) with a CC.
>
> I'm sorry - that's France :-)
>
>
And I thought europe was supposed to become a cash less society with
even vending machines taking credit cards. Now if only they will fix
the RER ticket machines and replace a few waiters.
> Norm <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>
>>Do restaurants and cafes in France generally take credit cards.
>
>
> Yes. But be prepared for waiter unfriendiness if you want to pay a bill
> under 10 euros (in a café for example) with a CC.
>
> I'm sorry - that's France :-)
>
>
And I thought europe was supposed to become a cash less society with
even vending machines taking credit cards. Now if only they will fix
the RER ticket machines and replace a few waiters.
May 26th 2005, 4:34 am
#21
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Travelling in France
On 26/05/05 18:06, in article [email protected], "Frank
F. Matthews" <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>
> Stanislas de Kertanguy wrote:
>
>> Norm <[email protected]> wrote:
>>
>>
>>> Do restaurants and cafes in France generally take credit cards.
>>
>>
>> Yes. But be prepared for waiter unfriendiness if you want to pay a bill
>> under 10 euros (in a café for example) with a CC.
>>
>> I'm sorry - that's France :-)
>
> And I thought europe was supposed to become a cash less society with
> even vending machines taking credit cards. Now if only they will fix
> the RER ticket machines and replace a few waiters.
10 euros is a bit low, 20 will pass alright. Our local Moroccan grocer
has a sign--nothing below 15 euros.
On the autoroute out to Caen, the A13, one pays with a credit car
four times. The total bill runs to about 23 euros but some of the stops
are only a little over 2 euros. It is convenient because it is less
troublesome than searching for the right change to toss into the basket
or handing somebody. It is rapid, the card goes in and out immediately
The airport parking vending machines also take Credit cards (French, at
least). But the general practice in stores is not below 15 euros.
Since extra tips don't have to be added on to the credit card slip,
using a French card in France at a café is rapid. They put the card
a little hand carried machine and give it to you for your pin number.
The card is returned with the slip and one does not have to sign anything.
In the US the card is practical for adding on the tip, which takes a little
calculation. I find that bothersome and like the tip already included
in the final bill.
F. Matthews" <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>
> Stanislas de Kertanguy wrote:
>
>> Norm <[email protected]> wrote:
>>
>>
>>> Do restaurants and cafes in France generally take credit cards.
>>
>>
>> Yes. But be prepared for waiter unfriendiness if you want to pay a bill
>> under 10 euros (in a café for example) with a CC.
>>
>> I'm sorry - that's France :-)
>
> And I thought europe was supposed to become a cash less society with
> even vending machines taking credit cards. Now if only they will fix
> the RER ticket machines and replace a few waiters.
10 euros is a bit low, 20 will pass alright. Our local Moroccan grocer
has a sign--nothing below 15 euros.
On the autoroute out to Caen, the A13, one pays with a credit car
four times. The total bill runs to about 23 euros but some of the stops
are only a little over 2 euros. It is convenient because it is less
troublesome than searching for the right change to toss into the basket
or handing somebody. It is rapid, the card goes in and out immediately
The airport parking vending machines also take Credit cards (French, at
least). But the general practice in stores is not below 15 euros.
Since extra tips don't have to be added on to the credit card slip,
using a French card in France at a café is rapid. They put the card
a little hand carried machine and give it to you for your pin number.
The card is returned with the slip and one does not have to sign anything.
In the US the card is practical for adding on the tip, which takes a little
calculation. I find that bothersome and like the tip already included
in the final bill.
May 26th 2005, 5:48 am
#22
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Travelling in France
Norm writes:
> Do restaurants and cafes in France generally take credit cards.
In France virtually everyone accepts credit cards for everything. Visa
is the most widely accepted card, with MasterCard coming in a close
second. Other cards are often accepted as well. In most cases you an
also withdraw cash from ATMs (which are extremely plentiful in France)
with a credit card.
--
Transpose hotmail and mxsmanic in my e-mail address to reach me directly.
> Do restaurants and cafes in France generally take credit cards.
In France virtually everyone accepts credit cards for everything. Visa
is the most widely accepted card, with MasterCard coming in a close
second. Other cards are often accepted as well. In most cases you an
also withdraw cash from ATMs (which are extremely plentiful in France)
with a credit card.
--
Transpose hotmail and mxsmanic in my e-mail address to reach me directly.
May 26th 2005, 5:48 am
#23
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Travelling in France
Alec writes:
> Don't use cards for small amounts. It's frowned upon and some places have
> minimum charge (often 15-20 euro).
In Paris, it's very easy to exceed 15 euro in a café.
--
Transpose hotmail and mxsmanic in my e-mail address to reach me directly.
> Don't use cards for small amounts. It's frowned upon and some places have
> minimum charge (often 15-20 euro).
In Paris, it's very easy to exceed 15 euro in a café.
--
Transpose hotmail and mxsmanic in my e-mail address to reach me directly.
May 26th 2005, 5:49 am
#24
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Travelling in France
chancellor of the duchy of besses o' th' barn and prestwich tesco
writes:
> Will you get a filthy look from the waitstaff if you don't?
No. And even if you did, so what?
--
Transpose hotmail and mxsmanic in my e-mail address to reach me directly.
writes:
> Will you get a filthy look from the waitstaff if you don't?
No. And even if you did, so what?
--
Transpose hotmail and mxsmanic in my e-mail address to reach me directly.
May 26th 2005, 5:50 am
#25
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Travelling in France
chancellor of the duchy of besses o' th' barn and prestwich tesco
writes:
> Reason I asked is that I got some rude comments from a waiter in Paris
> about a decade ago when I put a line through that space, and service
> wasn't included.
He was just telling you in his own way that he never wants your business
again. The polite thing to do is to never give him your business again,
so that you won't upset him.
--
Transpose hotmail and mxsmanic in my e-mail address to reach me directly.
writes:
> Reason I asked is that I got some rude comments from a waiter in Paris
> about a decade ago when I put a line through that space, and service
> wasn't included.
He was just telling you in his own way that he never wants your business
again. The polite thing to do is to never give him your business again,
so that you won't upset him.
--
Transpose hotmail and mxsmanic in my e-mail address to reach me directly.
May 26th 2005, 5:50 am
#26
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Travelling in France
nitram writes:
> I hadn't realised that the service was already included in the bill by
> law in France as well as in the Netherlands. Can I have my money back.
It is not required by law, it is simply a widespread custom.
--
Transpose hotmail and mxsmanic in my e-mail address to reach me directly.
> I hadn't realised that the service was already included in the bill by
> law in France as well as in the Netherlands. Can I have my money back.
It is not required by law, it is simply a widespread custom.
--
Transpose hotmail and mxsmanic in my e-mail address to reach me directly.
May 26th 2005, 5:52 am
#27
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Travelling in France
Daniel Masse writes:
> If one were to follow your advice, one would never use a bank card... If you
> know the number and the expiry date of a card - whether the card is magnetic
> or with a chip - you may order from many shops by telephone...
But you are only bound to the charges in France if you've used your PIN.
Foreign cards don't require PINs, so they are ripe for fraud. Crooks
love American and UK cards, which can be used by simply forging a
signature.
> Why would an ATM be safer is the bank is open? ATM's are free-standing
> machines, outside the bank, and people inside don't watch what is going on
> around the machine...
You're more likely to go in and complain immediately.
> Beside, if you carry all your cash in your pocket, then there is a real
> danger - not only in France...
You need not carry a lot of cash. Forty euro or so is adequate for most
purposes.
--
Transpose hotmail and mxsmanic in my e-mail address to reach me directly.
> If one were to follow your advice, one would never use a bank card... If you
> know the number and the expiry date of a card - whether the card is magnetic
> or with a chip - you may order from many shops by telephone...
But you are only bound to the charges in France if you've used your PIN.
Foreign cards don't require PINs, so they are ripe for fraud. Crooks
love American and UK cards, which can be used by simply forging a
signature.
> Why would an ATM be safer is the bank is open? ATM's are free-standing
> machines, outside the bank, and people inside don't watch what is going on
> around the machine...
You're more likely to go in and complain immediately.
> Beside, if you carry all your cash in your pocket, then there is a real
> danger - not only in France...
You need not carry a lot of cash. Forty euro or so is adequate for most
purposes.
--
Transpose hotmail and mxsmanic in my e-mail address to reach me directly.
May 26th 2005, 5:54 am
#28
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Travelling in France
pikatxu writes:
> True, that's why the traveller cheques exist.
Travellers cheques are a really bad idea today, as they were twenty
years ago (at least in France).
Bring plastic and a _little bit_ of cash (maybe 100 euro as you step off
the plane). If you need more cash, get it from an ATM. For everything
else, pay with plastic. It's best to have two credit cards, in
different locations, in case one is stolen.
--
Transpose hotmail and mxsmanic in my e-mail address to reach me directly.
> True, that's why the traveller cheques exist.
Travellers cheques are a really bad idea today, as they were twenty
years ago (at least in France).
Bring plastic and a _little bit_ of cash (maybe 100 euro as you step off
the plane). If you need more cash, get it from an ATM. For everything
else, pay with plastic. It's best to have two credit cards, in
different locations, in case one is stolen.
--
Transpose hotmail and mxsmanic in my e-mail address to reach me directly.
May 26th 2005, 7:57 am
#29
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Travelling in France
On Thu, 26 May 2005 15:55:18 +0200, [email protected]
(Stanislas de Kertanguy) wrote:
>Norm <[email protected]> wrote:
>> Do restaurants and cafes in France generally take credit cards.
>Yes. But be prepared for waiter unfriendiness if you want to pay a bill
>under 10 euros (in a café for example) with a CC.
>I'm sorry - that's France :-)
Who gives a shit about what waiters think?
(Stanislas de Kertanguy) wrote:
>Norm <[email protected]> wrote:
>> Do restaurants and cafes in France generally take credit cards.
>Yes. But be prepared for waiter unfriendiness if you want to pay a bill
>under 10 euros (in a café for example) with a CC.
>I'm sorry - that's France :-)
Who gives a shit about what waiters think?
May 26th 2005, 7:58 am
#30
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Travelling in France
nitram [on Thu, 26 May 2005 21:57:11 +0200] wrote:
> On Thu, 26 May 2005 15:55:18 +0200, [email protected]
> (Stanislas de Kertanguy) wrote:
>
> >Norm <[email protected]> wrote:
> >
> >> Do restaurants and cafes in France generally take credit cards.
> >
> >Yes. But be prepared for waiter unfriendiness if you want to pay a bill
> >under 10 euros (in a café for example) with a CC.
> Who gives a shit about what waiters think?
Perhaps those who like to return to the same place frequently, and prefer
to be treated nicely.
--
Low Countries By Bike - http://lowcountriesbybike.info
Riding on two wheels in Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany
> On Thu, 26 May 2005 15:55:18 +0200, [email protected]
> (Stanislas de Kertanguy) wrote:
>
> >Norm <[email protected]> wrote:
> >
> >> Do restaurants and cafes in France generally take credit cards.
> >
> >Yes. But be prepared for waiter unfriendiness if you want to pay a bill
> >under 10 euros (in a café for example) with a CC.
> Who gives a shit about what waiters think?
Perhaps those who like to return to the same place frequently, and prefer
to be treated nicely.
--
Low Countries By Bike - http://lowcountriesbybike.info
Riding on two wheels in Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany
