Originally Posted by Mountain Trader
I don't know why people continue to say that the Carte Orange is "intended for people working or residing in France". Where exactly does it say that? I agree that they "usually" sell it to anyone-do you know of any documented instance when they did not?
After reading about a couple of tourists who tried to buy one and were refused (they then went to a different metro station and bought one with no hassle), I wrote to the RATP a while back to ask them if tourists could purchase the Carte Orange. They gave me the information I mentioned above: That because the cards are subsidized, they are meant for local residents and workers, but that there was no rule preventing visitors from buying them if they wished.
This is also the reason you don't see the Carte Orange listed among the options on the English version of the RATP site or on the French version if you are using the transport pass "wizard" and specify being a nonresident of Ile de France.
I personally have never had a problem buying a Carte Orange.