Originally Posted by iff
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.
I'm very surprised-could you quote what RATP said? And when did they write to you? Several years ago, Rick Steves had a similar statement in his Paris book, and after seeing a poster in the Metro saying anyone can buy a Carte Orange, I emailed his office asking for the source of his info. They never wrote back, but the caveat was removed from the next edition of the book.
Of course RATP would say that the passes are intended for locals, just as United Airlines would say that Mileage Plus was designed for frequent flyers. But just as MP can and is often used by others, the Metro passes are used by anyone who thinks that it is the best way to pay. Was RATP really saying anyone can use them or did they really imply some restrictions exist?
I have never heard of anyone being questioned on residency when buying a Carte Orange so this is a new one for me too. I sometimes see confusion when tourists are at a Metro ticket offices due to langauge issues, especially when the ticket agent has a bad attitude.