I had made a reservation with nice-airport-shuttle before going on our trip to France. I filled out their form mentioning when I wanted them to pick me up. The driver did not show. We waited for 40 minutes. I had no phone access or internet at that point, but the TI called the mobile number given in the guidebook. It went to an automated answering machine. With no idea if they were ever coming we took the bus. I emailed them immediately from the hotel. After many emails they would not accept any responsibility. They charged me because I didn't stay long enough! I would not recommend them to anyone. Anyone else have same experience or better? What to do? it's 32 euros on my credit card.

Ask the credit card not to pay, giving the reasons as stated above.

Not sure why you took a shuttle. Nice airport is very close to the city and I think a taxi would not cost any more than that.

That said, simply call you credit card, say they never turned up and have the charge removed.

<< They charged me because I didn't stay long enough!>> Maybe you or they waited in the wrong area? I've had that happen but with a phone you can call and sort things out.

I had the same thing happen for me with Bluvan in Paris. I know I was at the right waiting point according to directions I was given. I didn't have a cellphone but used the pay phone in the airport to call their office several times -- they never answered. I gave up after waiting at least 30-45 minutes after the arrival time and took the bus.

HOWEVER, Bluvan did refund my money with no problem when I emailed them to complain. They gave no explanation or even apology, as I recall, but refunded it without question when I stated the above details.

40 minutes is long enough to wait, as far as I'm concerned. 5-10 minutes, no, but 40, yes.

Personally, I'd forget about it. I was prepared to lose my money, in a way, I was testing out a service to see if I liked it for future use. Which won't happen now.

Depends on your contract and the terms. Unless it said they had a one hour window, don't see how they can argue it. I don't believe US credit cards will cover problems with foreign companies, however. But probably wouldn't take too long to ask them if you want to pursue it.

Contact your credit card company.

Never prepay for services.. I never have.. and this is exactly why.

As noted.. a taxi would have been fine,, and likely cheaper.

As others have said just contact your credit card company. I booked a skip the line tour of the Catacombs for 2 last August . The guide never showed up and there were a number of folks who had booked the tour. I called my credit card company and they immediately credited my account. I told the CC co. I paid for a service that wasn't provided.

That's good to know, for some reason, I thought I had read terms that US credit cards won't pursue problems with foreign companies.

I agree that I would prefer not to prepay for such things but for Paris, several of the companies require that, and I know the one I wanted did so I must have chosen it for a reason--cheaper rates, best reputation or something. However, My prepayment wasn't that high as it wasn't a private car, just a group van, I think it was only 15-18 euro. I wouldn't have done that in Nice as Nice airport is right in the city, so to speak, and it doesn't cost as much to take a taxi, unless you are going outside the city, I guess.

The airport bus is the best option.

US credit cards can deal with any venue that takes the card - anywhere in the world. (I got several bogus charges from the UK on my AmEx and they reversed them while I was on the phone. Also put a note that any further UK charges had to be approved by me before they were charged to me.)

Just call your card company and file a complaint. there should be no problem getting a refund.

That is the kind of story I refer to when I say Europeans don't take shuttles but only taxis.

My husband decided to pay the credit card bill when I wasn't looking but with nothing to lose I am going to take your advice and try to get my money back. As to some of your questions, I read that taxis overcharge often in Nice and a shuttle service seemed more reputable--shows what I know!

I am the original poster and wanted to thank those of you who recommended that I call my credit card company about this situation to see if I could get some relief. Great idea! Master Card wrote to the shuttle service asking for their side of the story. I was informed they had 45 days to respond and if they didn't I would not be responsible for this charge. It appears the shuttle service did not pursue this route therefore $35 was credited back to my account.
Lesson learned---I hope someone else can benefit from this discussion. Again, Fodorites are the best!

Glad it worked out for you.
I posted above with a similar situation contesting charges with my CC company for a tour that never happened back in August. The merchant never responded so the CC closed the matter in November.