Credit card tips for shoppers and travellers
TIP 1 - We suggest you ring your credit card company before shopping in France - increased fraud means they are turning down shoppers cards if their spending deviates from the norm. Take your mobile - you can often sort the problem out over the phone.
Phone these numbers before you go: Barclaycard - 08700 100 578 (01733 294814) , Mastercard 020 7557-5000.
Tip 2 - Get a credit card from a company that doesn't charge extra for using it abroad or one that charges less.
TIP 3 - When you use your credit card, make sure you remember your PIN. Signing for your goods can now take a long time if they have to find someone to arrange a signature payment.
TIP 4 - Pay by Credit card - we find they generally give the best rates - you can buy just about anything with a credit card in France. Eurocheques are generally not accepted nowadays. Some card companies charge you if you use your card abroad. Check before you go which card is best to use.
TIP 5 - Change money before you leave - check that your bank or credit card has any special offers (commission free). More information
TIP 6 - Make a note of all your credit and debit cards, passports, driving licences, travellers cheques as well as the helplines. A little preparation will save you a lot of bother in the unfortunate, but none the less regular occurrence of theft.
TIP 7 - E-mail yourself. Send yourself an e-mail with all your passport numbers, credit card details. If bad luck strikes at least you may be able to access your details easily. Use a yahoo or hotmail account which is easily accessible wherever you are.
TIP 8 - When paying for an air fare or other fare remember you get protection should the carrier go under if you have spent more than £100. This protection may not include accommodation unless it is part of a travel inclusive ticket.
TIP 9 - Make sure your credit limit is enough to cover all eventualities.
TIP 10 - Always fill in all the spaces (tips box in particular) on credit card slips. Make sure you get back and keep a copy, at least until you get your statement.
TIP 11 - If you do not have a chip card or have other problems, the French Authorities recommend that tourists should show the following phrase or read it to the retailer: Les cartes anglaises sont a bande magnetique. Ma carte est valable et je vous serais reconnaisant d'un demander la confirmation de votre banque ou de votre centre de traitement. "English cards contain a magnetic strip. My card is valid and I would recommend that you ask for confirmation from your bank or your processing centre".
Tip 12 - Warning! - Tobacco and wine shops often use a generous exchange rate when working out the sterling CASH price, so do take plenty of sterling cash when buying tobacco to get the best prices. Whilst you can pay by credit card, bear in mind that the price that shows on your statement will be about 7% more than the sterling prices listed in the shop.
List of ATM's in France (and elsewhere). www.visa.com / www.mastercard.com
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- Cardwatch. "Card Watch raises awareness about all types of plastic card fraud in the United Kingdom, and provides information to prevent fraudulent use of credit cards, debit cards, cheque guarantee cards and charge cards." 
- Mastercard / ACCESS. Tel: Ring operator and reverse charge to 0044 1904 544 633 (HSBC). Or try the French number 0800 90 13 87. . 
- Barclaycard / VISA. Tel: 0590 8281. In France 0800 90 11 79. 
- Say NO to 0870. 
- We are an ABTOF member, the Association of British Travel Organisers to France.