Robespierre

If you have to use 3 different lines, you're lost!

Seriously, it takes a lot of effort to find a pair of stations that require more than one <i>correspondance</i>. The one-change route isn't always the fastest, but who cares?

jazzd

I am going to Paris in about a week.
About getting money out of ATM's....
what card does it accept ? Can we use our normal Visa or Amex card or our normal Debit card. I don't normally take money out of my Visa Credit card and don't even remember the PIN.
Can any one shed some light ? Thanks !!

Robespierre

Your credit cards will charge you a cash advance fee which debit and ATM cards don't.

Most cards work in most terminals, but not every card works anywhere.

worldinabag

Hi jazzd and apologies to benitakaren for hijacking (will be in Paris in June - thanks for your tips. Keep 'em coming).

Re cards and ATMs. As I understand it if your card carries a Cirrus and Maestro symbol (most advisable) then look for an ATM that displays these symbols (very common). We've never had problems yet.

jazzd

I was going to use my Visa, by Capital One, but was told that they charge
21.45 % from the moment you withdraw plus 3% per transaction.
Really hefty.
I have some left over Travellers checks
from some trips back that I will probably use. If any one has any info, I would appreciate it. I wanted to use my American Express too but still trying to get more info. on this.

benitakaren

Jazzd:

I used my Cirrus ATM card exclusively. I requested that my daily limit be increased by somehow the Bank forgot to do this for me. I had to call home to the bank to increase my limit. So my advice is to re-check daily limit. I also increased limit on credit cards just in case I wanted cash but didn't use them. I think the charge would have been quite high. I will see what charges were on debit card when statement comes next week. I hope you have a wonderful time on your trip.

ira

Hi jazz,

Do not use your cc to get money from an ATM. Use your ATM card.

You can arrange with AMEX to use your CC as an ATM card. They have a $5 per transaction fee.

jazzd

Thanks Ira - for the tip. I wasn't clear if our local ATM card would work.
Just figured everyone was using their credit card to get cash - it would be so expensive.

Very excited to be going for the first time. Want to try Fois Gras (sp) the rotiserrie chicken, pain du chocolat, etc...all that I have read on previous threads. Anyone has other ideas pls throw it my way.