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How to get a credit or debit card that will work in French vending machines

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How to get a credit or debit card that will work in French vending machines

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Old Aug 25, 2022, 4:59 pm
  #1  
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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.
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Old Aug 25, 2022, 5:07 pm
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Originally Posted by Landing Gear
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.
Do those machines accept mobile-wallet payments?
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Old Aug 26, 2022, 5:18 am
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The vending machines accept MC or Visa contactless payments. So theoretically, yes, mobile payments (for example smartwatch or telephone) should work too.
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Old Aug 27, 2022, 7:36 pm
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Ever since I added my contactless card to ApplePay I’ve had no issues using it at kiosks/vending machines in Paris.
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Old Aug 28, 2022, 4:02 pm
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Originally Posted by guv1976
Do those machines accept mobile-wallet payments?
Originally Posted by mlin32
The vending machines accept MC or Visa contactless payments. So theoretically, yes, mobile payments (for example smartwatch or telephone) should work too.
Not exactly. The machines I tried in the Métro were all contactless only. And none of my contactless cards worked.

Originally Posted by TomMM
Ever since I added my contactless card to ApplePay I’ve had no issues using it at kiosks/vending machines in Paris.
Is this a US card that you added? If so, would you feel comfortable saying which one?
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Old Aug 28, 2022, 6:52 pm
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Originally Posted by Landing Gear
Not exactly. The machines I tried in the Métro were all contactless only. And none of my contactless cards worked.



Is this a US card that you added? If so, would you feel comfortable saying which one?
I have multiple cards all US based. Do you have a pin configured on your cards?
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Old Aug 29, 2022, 8:42 pm
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Originally Posted by TomMM
I have multiple cards all US based. Do you have a pin configured on your cards?
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.
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