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Paris Velib Bike Share System

Old 03-03-13, 10:23 AM
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donheff
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Paris Velib Bike Share System

Has anyone used the bikeshare system in Paris? I will be there for a few days in May. It looks like it uses bikes similar to those in DC and the online instructions sound similar. But I am curious about whether the instructions at the stations are only in French or French and English. I am also curious whether they will accept US mag stripe credit cards or only work with European chip based cards. When I was in Seville a few years ago I could not get their bike stations to work with my credit card.
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Old 03-03-13, 03:38 PM
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I don't know the answer but I'm interested and I hope someone shows up who does. You might try asking in the European regional forum, or even in the Road Forum due to the volume of traffic there.
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Old 03-03-13, 04:04 PM
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There are english translations. I'm almost certain they need chip and pin cards, they're pretty much ubiquitous in Europe. But you can buy one-day and seven-day tickets on-line, which may eliminate that problem.
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Old 03-03-13, 04:31 PM
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I can't remember is the directions are in two languages or not. I do know that two summers ago, we could only use European chip based cards. That my, however, have changed. The European cards are not all that hard to get if they haven't changed the system to allow for them.
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Old 03-03-13, 05:07 PM
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Visas card is the closest equivalent to a carte bleu hence your best chance--they work everywhere even at the peage (freeway ticket booth) but I never tried a Visa card on the bicycle stands.

Good luck et bon voyage!
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Old 03-03-13, 06:41 PM
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A friend of mine has had some experience with this, here is his message:

It has been a couple of years, unless things have changed first go on their website and pay for your time in advance. Most American credit cards do not have chips and will not work. At the Kiosk after you get to the English language screen (British Flag symbol) select your bike first (number on dock it is parked but inspect the bike first e.g. no flat tires etc) and then enter your code # that you purchased in advance.
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Old 03-03-13, 09:53 PM
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https://en.velib.paris.fr

Their website has a number you can call to ask questions and get information in English.
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Old 03-04-13, 10:12 AM
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Pretty sweet info. And timely too, as we'll be there in a month or so. Thanks!
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Old 03-14-13, 07:05 PM
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Originally Posted by donheff
Has anyone used the bikeshare system in Paris? I will be there for a few days in May. It looks like it uses bikes similar to those in DC and the online instructions sound similar. But I am curious about whether the instructions at the stations are only in French or French and English. I am also curious whether they will accept US mag stripe credit cards or only work with European chip based cards. When I was in Seville a few years ago I could not get their bike stations to work with my credit card.
I use it all the time when in Paris ... enjoy the ride
Just purchase a subway pass with the Euro Chip embedded in it.
The subway pass also works with the entire Velib Bike-Share system!

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Old 03-15-13, 05:52 AM
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Originally Posted by FlatSix911
I use it all the time when in Paris ... enjoy the ride
Just purchase a subway pass with the Euro Chip embedded in it.
The subway pass also works with the entire Velib Bike-Share system!

How cheap a card can you buy with a chip?
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Old 03-15-13, 07:18 PM
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Originally Posted by donheff
How cheap a card can you buy with a chip?
I think the 5-day subway card with the chip was only 25-29 Euro
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