How to get a credit or debit card that will work in French vending machines
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: New York City/NY22
Programs: AA Platinum 2.3MM (Lifetime PLT)
Posts: 5,285
How to get a credit or debit card that will work in French vending machines
On my last trip to France, I was again stymied by vending machines that would not accept any card in my wallet. (Sometimes it's a hot day and you want to just grab a bottle of Evian from a machine in the Métro but nothing works.)
Although I bank at one of the largest US financial institutions, they absolutely refuse to do anything to help me. What would work for me would be one of those prepaid cards like you can buy in any pharmacy here from VISA, Mastercard, AMEX, etc. I just want something for this simple purpose. Any suggestions will be appreciated.
Although I bank at one of the largest US financial institutions, they absolutely refuse to do anything to help me. What would work for me would be one of those prepaid cards like you can buy in any pharmacy here from VISA, Mastercard, AMEX, etc. I just want something for this simple purpose. Any suggestions will be appreciated.
#2
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Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 29,604
On my last trip to France, I was again stymied by vending machines that would not accept any card in my wallet. (Sometimes it's a hot day and you want to just grab a bottle of Evian from a machine in the Métro but nothing works.)
Although I bank at one of the largest US financial institutions, they absolutely refuse to do anything to help me. What would work for me would be one of those prepaid cards like you can buy in any pharmacy here from VISA, Mastercard, AMEX, etc. I just want something for this simple purpose. Any suggestions will be appreciated.
Although I bank at one of the largest US financial institutions, they absolutely refuse to do anything to help me. What would work for me would be one of those prepaid cards like you can buy in any pharmacy here from VISA, Mastercard, AMEX, etc. I just want something for this simple purpose. Any suggestions will be appreciated.
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: New York City/NY22
Programs: AA Platinum 2.3MM (Lifetime PLT)
Posts: 5,285
Is this a US card that you added? If so, would you feel comfortable saying which one?
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: 4éme
Posts: 12,044
I have multiple cards all US based. Do you have a pin configured on your cards?
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: New York City/NY22
Programs: AA Platinum 2.3MM (Lifetime PLT)
Posts: 5,285
Yes in the sense that if I wanted to use one to take money out of an ATM (which I never do) I would need a PIN. No, in the sense that if I buy something in Europe, I don't need to punch in digits like with a chip and PIN card.