purchasing gas in Europe
 

Are there any American Oil Co credit cards that are honored in Europe? If not, alternatives?

I have used a Visa card in Switzerland. <BR>I don't know if BP or Shell cards are accepted or not. Never tried.

Visa, Mastercard, and a lot of other credit cards are routinely accepted in most gas stations in Switzerland and France.

I believe the specific answer to your specific question is "no". (Though to be sure you should ask the card issuers). <BR> <BR>Alternatives are the usual credit cards, preferably the bank cards, Visa and MasterCard (called Eurocard over there.) Many gas stations accept them, especially the ones on the Autobahns/Motorways. <BR> <BR>twenj

Now that we are on the subject of gas, does anyone know how much gas costs in <BR>Europe ? In particular, Germany. <BR>I am thinking the train is sounding better....or at least cheaper. <BR>commments???

Gas is expensive at roughly $4/gallon or more in most of Europe. Switzerland's a bit less expensive. <BR> <BR>Specifically in Germany it's running about 2.10 marks per liter or a tad more, just a bit over that $4 approximation. Diesel is about 15-20% cheaper, and much more available in Europe than in the US. <BR> <BR>Before you punt for the train (which I do think is much better for many trips than driving) don't just look at the cost of fuel. Mileage in a small stick shift is much better than we get on average in the US in larger cars with automatics. 25-40 miles per gallon is not at all unusual. Diesels will cost a bit more to rent, but if you'll put on a lot of mileage they'll be less expensive in the end. <BR> <BR>In general if you're mainly or only hitting large cities the train will be more convenient and may be cheaper, particularly if you'll have to pay high parking fees ($20-25/night is not unusual in many major cities.) <BR> <BR>If you'll be doing many smaller spots you may find you can get 2-3 times as much sightseeing done in one day with a car as opposed to with a train. The cost of a car might be higher (or might not) but the convenience would be worth it. <BR> <BR>If, for example, in Switzerland, you'll be spending a lot of time in the mountains and on lakes a car might have little value. <BR> <BR>twenj