France: Location of Cheap Fuel and Opening Hours

[Mike Werner]

I know that several of you have posted requests and issues of finding petrol stations in France.

The good news is that the French Government, in their wisdom, have created a website with most petrol stations, price of fuel, and opening times.

The bad news is that the site is in French! But not to worry, I've created a "manual" on how to use the site. It's very simple, and it'll tell you where the cheapest petrol is by city, region, postcode, or departement.

They're also working on gas stations on a given itinerary, but it's not ready yet.

You can fin out when the stations are open, and if they have automated pumps (remember to check with your bank if your bank card is accepted by their CB system).

Fuel Stations in France

I hope that stops all discussion on where to get fuel...

 

[Gipsy]

Absolutely fantastic. A first step towards ending the lottery of getting fuel on Sundays. Thanks very much.

 

[Mike Werner]

and the best part it's from the government...

 

[wessie]

Some friends spent the weekend in France they found that their chip & PIN cards worked in a supermarket fuel station in Dieppe

 

[Mike Werner]

Some friends spent the weekend in France they found that their chip & PIN cards worked in a supermarket fuel station in Dieppe

It'll depend on the issuing bank, if they have an agreement with CB. CB is like PIN cards, so many have bi-lateral agreements...

 

[MikeP]

Good resource.



Use your card at a bank to draw cash, either over the counter or via an ATM.

Too many French retailers still use the signed counterfoil machines.

I'd rather loose a bundle of Euro through my own stupidity than have my account raided again

 

[Mike Werner]

Good resource.



Use your card at a bank to draw cash, either over the counter or via an ATM.

Too many French retailers still use the signed counterfoil machines.

I'd rather loose a bundle of Euro through my own stupidity than have my account raided again

That's exactly the problem Mike. You're using a credit card, not a bank card. UK credit cards rarely work on the CB machines, so they have to use the swipe machines.

Use a bank card with PIN, the same as the CB.

 

[MikeP]

No Mike, it was a bank debit card not a credit card (I never use them but have a couple for emergencies). My bank account was raided, not a credit card. Having said that, even credit cards are chip and pin.

It's not restricted to France, here there has been a fair bit of publicity about scanning chip & pin cards at fuel stations.

These days I'd rather use cash even if it means making an effort to withdraw it from 'safe' sources.

 

[(RIP) Shenzi]

Too many French retailers still use the signed counterfoil machines.

Mike, you surprise me as it is well over ten years since I saw a counterfoil machine in France, they were gradually phased out when the chip and pin came in which could be 15 years or so ago.
I have noticed that friends with UK cards have them swiped as they are not compatible with the French system.
My experience covers a lot of France especially the middle of nowhere bits!

 

[MikeP]

Mike, you surprise me as it is well over ten years since I saw a counterfoil machine in France, they were gradually phased out when the chip and pin came in which could be 15 years or so ago.
I have noticed that friends with UK cards have them swiped as they are not compatible with the French system.
My experience covers a lot of France especially the middle of nowhere bits!

Bob,

I used to use my debit card at fuel stations and the odd hotel with no problem (chip & pin).

In the last 18 months there have been at least half a dozen places (hotels and restaurants) that have used the counterfoil machines.

It was one of three places in St-Quentin where my card was used in this way that resulted in the loss from my bank.

I got my money back okay but I just now feel safer using cash.

 

[Mike Werner]

Mike, you surprise me as it is well over ten years since I saw a counterfoil machine in France, they were gradually phased out when the chip and pin came in which could be 15 years or so ago.
I have noticed that friends with UK cards have them swiped as they are not compatible with the French system.
My experience covers a lot of France especially the middle of nowhere bits!

actually, a lot still have them, meant for foreigners. They don't like using them, but that's life...

It's funny, if you think about it. Many people, like Mike, rightfully have problems using the old swipe card method, but have no problem giving a CB card to a waiter to put in their machine. Those machines are as easy to get into as the carbon papers in garbage cans.

Maybe one day in the common Europe we'll all have not only the same notes to pay with, but also the same bank card that will work everywhere... dream on..

 

[(RIP) Shenzi]

actually, a lot still have them, meant for foreigners. They don't like using them, but that's life

There you go Mike, they are just for you bloody foreigners!

 

[Gipsy]

It'll depend on the issuing bank, if they have an agreement with CB. CB is like PIN cards, so many have bi-lateral agreements...

Do you have any idea which banks may have the reciprocal arrangement? Have been caught short in France on many occasions. Even had recourse to loiter near automatic pumps and accost unsuspecting locals flourishing cash, and speaking French very poorly. Fortunately never been arrested, and most peeps are very very helpful.

 

[Mike Werner]

Do you have any idea which banks may have the reciprocal arrangement? Have been caught short in France on many occasions. Even had recourse to loiter near automatic pumps and accost unsuspecting locals flourishing cash, and speaking French very poorly. Fortunately never been arrested, and most peeps are very very helpful.

Sorry, no idea since I live here. Ask you bank...