barbara33

I'm trying to anticipate cash versus credit card usage on the road in France, Germany, Austria, and Italy. From what I've read, I shouldn't expect to be able to "pay at the pump" in France, at least, because their system is set up for credit cards with a computer chip we don't have.

How about when there is an attendant? Can one use an American credit card or should I plan to have cash for all gas purchases? Are gas stations with attendants still pretty available (as opposed to automated)?

I have a similar question regarding tolls. Cash only? or credit card?

I know I'm asking about a very broad geographical range, but I didn't want to post the same question over and over for each country.

Thanks for whatever info you might have!

Michael

Except for lunch time, there usually is an attendant and you can pay with your credit card. Where they have self-serve pumps, you must make sure that you avoid those lanes,

barbara33

Thank you, Michael.

Can anyone tell me if toll booths are set up for credit cards or cash only?

Also, what is the price of deisel these days in Western Europe?

Thanks.

Michael

You can use credit cards. Again, we made sure that we used a booth with an attendant.

Michael

I forgot one thing: no tolls in Austria, but you must buy the vignette if you use the autobahn.

TuckH

Correction: There ARE tolls in Austria - even with the vignette - on certain segments of the Autobahn.

barbara33

Thanks, Michael and Tuck,

Boy, work sure interfers with following the posts!

Any more input out there?

Alec

Fuel: In France, Germany and Austria, you can usually pay with credit card. Automated pumps in France need French card with chip, but elsewhere you serve yourself and pay in the kiosk/shop. In Italy, larger stations take cards, but in towns and cities where most stations are just pumps on the kerbside, it's usually cash only.
Tolls: Germany has no tolls anywhere (except some private roads in Bavaria - cash only in machines). Austria has vignette system, and tolls on certain tunnels and mountain passes. Cards are usually accepted. In France and Italy you can usually pay with cards, even in unmanned lanes, but best to use manned lanes to be sure. There are a few small toll booths in France where you have to throw a coin in the basket, so keep some change. There are extra tolls on certain bridges and tunnels where cards are accepted.

TuckH

More input? I'll add this:

We've had a scary moment desperately trying to locate an open station on a Sunday. I'll not make that mistake again - not having a full tank Saturday night.