What is the process to acquire a Navigo card? Is it the same as the Carte Orange's? Can anyone request it, or do you have to be a resident.

http://www.transilien.com/web/site/a...adaire/lang/en

The Navigo "Decouverte" is the 'anonymous' version that is open for purchase by anyone. Same process as buying the old orange card/paper ticket version.

Above website is in English.

p.s you still need a very small photo, and it costs 5€ one-time fee to buy the passcard

Thank you very much. I'll take advantage of it. I've bookmarked the site.

I understand that it is good for 10 years, i.e., you can recharge it anytime within that period. If you plan on returning to Paris, the €5 activation fee is trivial, considering the convenience it gives.

With the CO, you need show it to the driver on buses. With the Navigo, you just swipe it at a sensor, which really speeds things up.

I have mine beside me as I write. It reminds me that I MUST return to Paris, if I am to be economical and recoup that €5 fee.

Thanks nukesafe. Well, if you can swipe your card, I guess you can get in through the back door of the bus. Yipee!