I can't remember which trip this was and when it happened (last year, maybe?). There was a long line at the office. I stood behind one woman who I think was going to Belgium (her card was rejected once or twice, and then the machine quit on her altogether).

I moved to another line and asked the guy behind me (whom I assume was French) to buy a ticket for me. I paid him back in euros (I didn't have coins).

I had no trouble with my non European credit card recently. However, I was travelling with 4 others and we only were able to get one to work initially..we did get a 2nd to work but the machine just was tempremental. As an aside, I always have about $100 worth of local currency when I leave on a trip. Yes, it may cost me an extra dollar or 2 in exchange but I don't have to worry about odd cash machines, a resto which doesn't take credit cards ect on the first day when I am tired and jet lagged. I do travel frequently on business and keep a euro and a pound wallet "filled". I also find that by doing this I don't feel that I have to go out and spend my last bit of currency...or well that may be a negative rather than a positive!

We are arriving 4 October on AA, what is the best way to get to the RER station?

The RER station is in the same area as the TGV station - you can find terminal maps on www.adp.fr (at least on the French version).

We landed at CDG-2 Hall A and walked thru the terminal to the RER station, about 10-15 minutes. Halls A and C are on one side and Halls B and D are on the opposing side, and RER/TGV is just after you pass thru Hall C (or D).