Vins

Hi
I read about some people having problems with online booking on the idtgv trains..

Yesterday I used my credit card to book tickets. I got a message saying that I would receive an email with the tickets within 24 hrs.
My credit card has however not been debited..
I was wondering whether this is a normal experience while booking on the idtgv.com site? Is there a time lag in debiting the account and issuance of a ticket?
I did not get any message stating that my card could not be used - but it was strange that I did'nt receive my tickets instantly..

Would like to hear whether anyone else has had similar issues when using credit cards issued outside France?

Look forward to hearing from fellow fodorites..
Thanks

justineparis

Hmm, well went through the song and dance last summer, took me days to get tickets booked, had to email back and forth a few times. but finally as I recall, sale went through and tickets were available to be printed right away. The thing with idTGV tickets is you must print them yourselves..

I too would be confused, but I would do exactly what I did do when confused, hit the "contact" button and email and ask. They responded to my emails usually within 2 days, and in English,, so that's what I suggest you do. They have always had issues with foreign credit cards so maybe this is a new way of handling problem, so ask.

Vins

Hi Justine,
Thanks for your email - atleast it is a little re-assuring.. Anyway I have written to them also.. Lets see..
Did your credit card get debited immediately and the tickets didnt come through or it was like me where the credit card was also not charged?
Thanks
Vins

justineparis

My tickets came through immediately. When they appeared ( and the email confirmation )... all within moments of the sale going through, I didn't bother to check but just assumed CC was debited as I was sure they wouldn't give me the tickets otherwise.
Vins, this whole process took me a week though! I first tried and my card was rejected, so contacted idTGV, they said my bank refused the charges, so I checked my CC ( number on the back of your card, not my bank) and they said a charge did not even get to them to refuse. So, cleared cookies and tried again, this time rejected again, contacted idTGV, this time got an email explaining there is a problem with their site accepting charges from "foreign" cards. I then got an email that said they saw my attempt at booking with card number ending in XXXX and that I could try again and they would allow that card number to be accepted. This whole process too so long as each time I emailed them it took a day or two for them to get back( what with time differences and the fact I was emailing in English and they likely had to have it translated by a English speaking staff) so finally, after at least 5 days, I try again , and it worked! It was a pain in butt to be frank,, BUT ,, this is what made it worth it.

We took idTGV from Paris to Nice. We paid 40 euros for a first class ticket ( would have gone 2nd but the 1st class ticket was only a few euros more). We were on train, and befriended another couple travelling to Cannes ,, they said they had booked last minute, about 3 weeks before trip. They felt they had gotten a good deal for a summer ticket. They paid 200 Euros!!!!

We told them what we had paid, they literally could not believe it, I had to show them the ticket ! lol I almost felt bad but not really, since they had gone on and on about this swanky hotel they had booked in Cannes and how Cannes was so much nicer then Nice,, er hello, we are going to Nice! lol

So the work paid off. Good luck to you,I have heard they are trying to improve the system.

Vins

Hi Justine,
Thanks for your reply..
I got my reply
"We hereby acknowledge receipt of your message relating to wish to buy a ticket on our Website with your card ending by XXXX.
We informed the service which is in charged of this matter in view to authorize exceptionally the payment with your card.
You should be able to realize your transaction with success."

Unlike your case, they have not asked me try and to book again.. I have written again asking for my tickets and whether they would use my earlier details - but guess I will need to wait for 2 days again..
And my only concern is in that case will I get the same price or could the prices go up..
Anyway guess will need to wait and watch..

justineparis

No, that is not how I am understanding it, that's the same email they sent me , they are asking you to book again, it was not going thru but now it will, they have now authorized it.. use same card they are referring to. The tickets will never be sent to you , they appear soon as you book and you print them out.

Your credit card has not been charged, so hence you actually have no tickets ,,, I am curious about this email they sent you saying you were getting tickets, could you have misunderstood it?

Vins

OK.. Then I guess I should book..
The message that my tickets will be sent within 24 hrs was a message that I received when I booked the 1st time..
Thanks

Vins

Finally got another email from them and I have booked.. So relieved

justineparis

Oh I am glad to hear that, they do have a terrible system in place you really have to work at getting tickets, frankly they should get the bugs worked out of their system!