English credit cards in French petrol station 24hr machines.

[blatabout]

Can anyone help clarify the situation regarding using English credit cards in the 24hr automatic pumps at French petrol stations?
I know in the past that it was a complete Non(!) but I have had success in recent years, particularly at Carrefour petrol stations.
I'll be travelling through France in June on the bike & will be needing fuel on a Sunday in the Domfront (Orne) area. I know there's a Carrefour in Domfront that has 24 hour automatic pumps but can't confirm if they will take english cards. A phone call from a french speaking friend to the Domfront Carrefour proved inconclusive as the shop person didn't seem to grasp the 'english credit card' bit, but did say the pumps took visa cards (though this could still only be french cards).
Anyone in the Domfront area who can help? I'm not keen on being stranded after running dry!
Cheers
John

[PottyMouth]

I've personally never have a problem with using a UK credit or debit card in these machines.

One thing to bear in mind is that they do block up to 120 eur on your card at a time and then refund it minus how much fuel you took.

[smack]

My last trip over there, August/September last year, all unmanned pumps we stopped at worked for us with UK credit cards. All these were in quiet little villages/towns in N/NE France.
So the frogs seem to finally be getting their act together.

[geordieexpat]

had no probs with my cards either and mine are registered in channel isles, though some will only allow you to go to €69

[blatabout]

Thanks guys, I'm feeling a bit more confident now.
Any reports from the Domfront or Flers area would still be appreciated though.

[Le TVR]

All recent chip + PIN cards will be compatible.

[Le Pop]

Hiya,

I live very near Domfront, and I use my English credit card in the Carrefour 24hr card machine all the time. No worries, you'll be fine.

[grumbledoak]

As far as I can tell the cards are completely compatible, but 'Carte Bleue' have had an on/off relationship with Visa in the past. You should be fine, but I'd aim to refuel in daylight.


Yes, I've been stranded there late in the evening for exactly that reason. tts.

[mogv8]

You are correct the French (carte bancaire) card acquirers did at one time block all international card.

That is no longer permitted under card scheme rules, and chip and pin standards have now been harmonised so you should have no problem at all at 95% of sites.

Sometimes local debit (Switch / Maestro in particular) occasionally aren't taken, so stick with main Mastercard and Visa brands to be safe.

The main risk would be if the hardwear fails, but that can happen in any country !!

[blatabout]

Just back from the TT in the Isle of Man and seen all your replies!
Thanks to all, especially Le Pop.