Debit cards on Autoroutes

Crashard

Hi

I'm sorry if this has been discussed before but I couldn't find it in the index.

Is it OK to use UK Bank cards (Debit or Credit with chip) in the toll gates marked 'CB' on the autoroutes in France when towing a caravan?

I have fears of having to back out! or getting my card swallowed.

Recent member experiences please.....

MichaelT

We have sued UK Credit Cards (never use a debit card abroad) in the toll booths with no issue, beware though it does not ask for a PIN it just debits and lets you go. Alternate maybe to get a Sanef Tag like we did, just drive trhough the 30 kph lane, not
need to stop, much faster and convenient as you dont have to try and get close to the machine, or the co pilot having to hang out of the window or try to get out of the door to pay.

ValDa

The short answer is 'Yes', UK Debit cards will be accepted in the toll booths.  However it is advantageous to have a fee-free card - there are a few around and MoneySavingExpert will give you the current best cards.

Pre-paid cards, which end with FX are generally NOT accepted and you will find this stated on the website of the best providers, though some don't tell you this.  FX Cards are also a problem in fuel stations. 

 

TheShipmans

As Michael t said, get a tag. You then avoid transaction charges, as there is only one transaction a month

 

 

Oneputt

Ive used a credit card for many years with no problem.  The other benefit is if the tolls are busy the card booths are usually less congested

chasncath

We've used a UK debit card for years without a problem. You can use a card at the manned booths as well. Be aware, the CB lanes have 2 metre height barriers ie limited to cars. The other barriers you can use your card at have a green arrow, or a white led pictogram of cards and money. Do not go into any lane that has only an orange 't': these are for liber-t tag users.

Crashard

Thanks everyone for your replies to my query.

I think I will use cash and queue up as usual. I had forgotten about the height restrictions and and the card I use is of the FX variety, so thanks for tip of not using it.

 

I am reminded that there are two ways of making money and serving the public. One - build a good motorway system and charge people to use it. Two -  do very little and charge people to pay the owners of the motorway. Funnily enough, the Banks seem to go
bust more frequently than motorway owners even though they make money while they are asleep.

ValDa

There are plenty of free routes in France, which are almost traffd

Thanks everyone for your replies to my query.

I think I will use cash and queue up as usual. I had forgotten about the height restrictions and and the card I use is of the FX variety, so thanks for tip of not using it.

 

I am reminded that there are two ways of making money and serving the public. One - build a good motorway system and charge people to use it. Two -  do very little and charge people to pay the owners of the motorway. Funnily enough, the Banks seem to go bust more frequently than motorway owners even though they make money while they are asleep.

You're obviously not a frequent traveller in France - if so you would know that there are loads of routes through France which are free, for which you  pay nothing, and where you will find loo stops, perhaps a service area (or a convenient supermarket) and little traffic!  We use them all the time and at the end of a journey, you may get to your end destination an hour or two before we do - but you pay for the privilege, we don't!

Crashard

Val

I don't understand why it is that you assume I am not a frequent traveller to France just because I pay cash on the autoroutes!

I've been to France about 30 or 40 times over the years. Maybe you don't consider that frequent. However, I prefer the safety of motorways and I just like to get where I'm going at a moderate speed. I don't race. I believe there is far less wear and tear on the car and driver going at virtually constant speed.

Quite a few of the routes I take didn't have autoroutes when I first started travelling to France so I have experienced the joys or otherwise of N and D roads. Reference to my old records shows that journey times were a lot longer and as I don't have the stamina for long hauls these days, I prefer to do 250 miles a day on the autoroute and stop early in the afternoon.

 

ValDa

I'm sorry - usually questions about card use are from those who aren't familiar with 'the French way' so I made an assumption. 

Yes, the autoroutes are faster, but for those who are time-rich and cash-poor, (like we are) the alternatives are certainly a better option than it would be trying to do a long journey without using the motorways in this country.

Of course this does depend on your destination - some areas of France are better served with good fast N roads, which by-pass major towns and villages.  From our experience you can get from Calais down to the western Mediterranean without needing to pay
tolls - or you can hop on and off the autoroute to avoid certain areas, but still minimise toll.costs - and save money by filling up off the autoroute too!