Home

   Log in or Register



Insurance Quotes
forums Campsite Search Comp Directory tips virtual brochure Profile
Tent and Awning Reviews Competitions Caravans and Motorhomes For Sale Shopping Diary Advent Calendar

Advertisement

Message Forums
Welcome Guest Register Login Search The Forum Posts Since Last Visit
 Reception - All Forums
  Caravanning and Camping Abroad 		Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email  Printer Friendly Version Print
Subject Topic: Cash or card? Post Reply Post New Topic
Personmamajeannie
via mobile 31/8/2022 at 3:09pm
 Location: Oxfordshire
 Outfit: Eriba Feeling 430 View mamajeannie's Profile View Profile   Reply to mamajeannie Reply   Quote mamajeannie Quote  
Joined: 03/7/2010

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   58
Site Reviews Total: 16
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 1  
Site Reviews 2018: 3  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 3
Site Nights 2018: 3
My friend recently went to Sweden and found that it was almost impossible to spend cash as it seemed to be card only everywhere. Has anyone found this to be the case in France or Spain?


Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!


Personfranbee
via mobile 31/8/2022 at 3:12pm
 Location: Lancashire
 Outfit: Leisuredrive VW T6 campervan View franbee's Profile View Profile   Reply to franbee Reply   Quote franbee Quote  
Joined: 21/7/2009

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   3215
Site Reviews Total: 235
Site Reviews 2024: 19 
Site Reviews 2023: 19 
Site Reviews 2022: 21 
Site Reviews 2021: 7  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 11 
Site Reviews 2018: 9  
Site Nights 2024: 30
Site Nights 2023: 37
Site Nights 2022: 40
Site Nights 2021: 14
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 16
Site Nights 2018: 13
Lots of French using cash just now, but more shops accepting cards too.


PersonNetherton
31/8/2022 at 3:14pm
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View Netherton's Profile View Profile   Reply to Netherton Reply   Quote Netherton Quote  
Joined: 12/1/2019

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   1230
Site Reviews Total: 3
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 3  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 3
Cash in pavement cafes, and leave the change for the waiter. Cash in boulangeries if you are just buying a couple of croissants. Ask on arrival at a campsite about how to pay on the evening before you leave. But cards are accepted most places - contactless too.


PersonPaul and Nikki
via mobile 31/8/2022 at 3:29pm
 Location: Stoke on Trent
 Outfit: Bailey Pegasus Modena 2016 View Paul and Nikki's Profile View Profile   Reply to Paul and Nikki Reply   Quote Paul and Nikki Quote  
Joined: 10/4/2016

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   298
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Noticed a lot of service stations in France are becoming card only.

Didn’t really bother us as we don’t tend to take much cash anymore


Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!


PersonKelper
31/8/2022 at 3:33pm
 Location: Northern Ireland
 Outfit: Sterckeman Alize Concept CP480 View Kelper's Profile View Profile   Reply to Kelper Reply   Quote Kelper Quote  
Joined: 21/4/2011

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   7948
Tent Reviews:   1
Site Reviews Total: 93
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 8  
Site Reviews 2022: 9  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 8  
Site Reviews 2018: 6  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 50
Site Nights 2022: 49
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 52
Site Nights 2018: 53
We've paid 96% by card over the last eight weeks ...

Some boulangeries won't take cards unless over 5 euros (say)


Advertisement



Person664DaveS
via mobile 31/8/2022 at 3:53pm
 Location: Shropshire
 Outfit: Bailey Phoenix GT 75 View 664DaveS's Profile View Profile   Reply to 664DaveS Reply   Quote 664DaveS Quote  
Joined: 24/7/2007

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   4383
Site Reviews Total: 55
Site Reviews 2024: 2  
Site Reviews 2023: 8  
Site Reviews 2022: 6  
Site Reviews 2021: 6  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 3  
Site Reviews 2018: 4  
Site Nights 2024: 16
Site Nights 2023: 55
Site Nights 2022: 54
Site Nights 2021: 56
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 20
Site Nights 2018: 41
The autoroute peages had contactless payment this summer as well as cash.
Very few manned booths.

-------------
DS-There's more to life than football!!!


PersonAncient Uncle
31/8/2022 at 5:17pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: Coachman Festival View Ancient Uncle's Profile View Profile   Reply to Ancient Uncle Reply   Quote Ancient Uncle Quote  
Joined: 22/5/2017

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   479
Site Reviews Total: 5
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 3  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 34
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
About 4 or 5 years ago, we were visiting friends in Germany. Our debit cards were fine in large cities, but once away from such major centres, the cards would not work. OK I accept the contactles system may not function, but the local machines simply refused to recognise them.

We noticed that our friends bank cards were the old fashioned type without the chip.

To pay our hotel bill, I had to go to a local bank and use the cash machine there to draw cash. Much to the annoyance of the hotel manager as he had to wait for me to go to the bank.

We have visited many countries in Europe and only experienced this in Germany.


Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!


PersonMonty15
31/8/2022 at 6:09pm
 Location: London
 Outfit: Lunar Cosmos 524 View Monty15's Profile View Profile   Reply to Monty15 Reply   Quote Monty15 Quote  
Joined: 17/9/2015

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2335
Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 1  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 6
Site Nights 2018: 0
On recent trip to France (June), noticed a lot more card transactions accepted than previous visit 3 years ago. TBH we didn't spend much money either cash or card, as most of our visit expenses were prepaid from UK, didn't even need to buy petrol as plenty in tank for return journey home, but did supermarket food shop once (card), pay unmanned car park (card), one pre-booked hotel (card), bought couple of Pizzas (card) and one restaurant meal for 2 (card).

What we did notice when trying to plan a meal before the ferry home was that being a Monday most restaurants were closed, what was open was small bistro/cafe type places and most ONLY took cash!

On the ferry, all drinks, breakfast etc. was paid with a card.

We only took about 50 Euros between us to buy a coffee or whatever, but don't think we spent any of it.


Persondk168
31/8/2022 at 7:09pm
 Location: Devizes Wiltshire
 Outfit: MWB VW Crafter PVC View dk168's Profile View Profile   Reply to dk168 Reply   Quote dk168 Quote  
Joined: 19/6/2009

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   9601
Tent Reviews:   6
Site Reviews Total: 56
Site Reviews 2024: 9  
Site Reviews 2023: 9  
Site Reviews 2022: 8  
Site Reviews 2021: 9  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 45
Site Nights 2023: 47
Site Nights 2022: 46
Site Nights 2021: 34
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
I have never stopped carrying cash even during lockdown in UK.

I took both EURs and cards with me when I went on a business trip in Ireland and both were accepted at restaurants, hotel and taxis.

DK

-------------
* Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest And Play! *
- 2025 - inc. FR & DE
- 2024 - 10/56 inc. FR & NL
- 2023 - 48 inc. FR
- 2022 - 49
- 2021 - 34
* Ex-tenter & solo female camper *
* Treat life events like a dog: If you can't eat it, play with it, or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away! *


Personlongcol
31/8/2022 at 9:38pm
 Location: Perigord Noir
 Outfit: Outwell Oakland XL View longcol's Profile View Profile   Reply to longcol Reply   Quote longcol Quote  
Joined: 03/7/2010

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   1148
Site Reviews Total: 10
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Lived in France for the last 4 years. Rural area in the Dordogne so perhaps more geared up for cards due to tourist trade than some other areas.

Cards taken more or less everywhere apart from some market stalls or for amounts under 5 euro (and many places will accept a card for a couple of euro like our village boulangerie).

Had the same 10 euro note in my pocket for months now.


Advertisement



PersonSGThomas
31/8/2022 at 9:44pm
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View SGThomas's Profile View Profile   Reply to SGThomas Reply   Quote SGThomas Quote  
Joined: 16/10/2007

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   6707
Tent Reviews:   1
Site Reviews Total: 116
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 4  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 15 
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 40
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 98
Quote: Originally posted by longcol on 31/8/2022
Lived in France for the last 4 years. Rural area in the Dordogne so perhaps more geared up for cards due to tourist trade than some other areas.

Cards taken more or less everywhere apart from some market stalls or for amounts under 5 euro (and many places will accept a card for a couple of euro like our village boulangerie).

Had the same 10 euro note in my pocket for months now.


But I am sure you will pay for a round, one of these days.


Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!


Personurbster
01/9/2022 at 8:23am
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: None Entered View urbster's Profile View Profile   Reply to urbster Reply   Quote urbster Quote  
Joined: 05/6/2012

Silver Member
Silver Member

Forum Posts:   134
Tent Reviews:   5
Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2024: 1  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 2
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
There is a rapid movement going on to introduce a cashless society, a society were the banks will run your lives completely.
How many times have you had your card declined and there was nothing wrong with it ? Not that many in the great scheme of things for me but it has happened.
The start of the cashless society started back in the 80’s when your brown wage packet was replaced by BACS , it then went to monthly salary and now rapidly the doing away of cash.
I also always try to pay in cash when possible and if I have to use a card whilst abroad I use the brilliant wise card https://wise.com/gb/card/
For me it should be about choice and that is real freedom, it should be a mixture of both and after all here for now at least , cash is the coin of the realm.
BTW my OH went for a long weekend in London recently and said it was “card only “ almost everywhere.


PersonFudge59
01/9/2022 at 1:21pm
 Location: Metro-Land Hertford
 Outfit: Hi Gear Gobi Elite 4 View Fudge59's Profile View Profile   Reply to Fudge59 Reply   Quote Fudge59 Quote  
Joined: 25/6/2004

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   753
Tent Reviews:   2
Site Reviews Total: 37
Site Reviews 2024: 2  
Site Reviews 2023: 2  
Site Reviews 2022: 3  
Site Reviews 2021: 4  
Site Reviews 2020: 2  
Site Reviews 2019: 2  
Site Reviews 2018: 1  
Site Nights 2024: 9
Site Nights 2023: 5
Site Nights 2022: 9
Site Nights 2021: 14
Site Nights 2020: 7
Site Nights 2019: 9
Site Nights 2018: 1
We were in Sweden in July and didn't change or need any cash, even the public toilets there take cards.


Personmamajeannie
via mobile 02/9/2022 at 4:26pm
 Location: Oxfordshire
 Outfit: Eriba Feeling 430 View mamajeannie's Profile View Profile   Reply to mamajeannie Reply   Quote mamajeannie Quote  
Joined: 03/7/2010

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   58
Site Reviews Total: 16
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 1  
Site Reviews 2018: 3  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 3
Site Nights 2018: 3
Thank you for your replies. It doesn’t seem that France and Spain have gone the same way as Sweden.



In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

Prev       Next
Quick Links - All Forums - Caravanning and Camping Abroad - Top of Page

Printer Friendly Version Printable version      Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email


Latest News, Discounts and Competitions  see all...

6236 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker  -  Recommend to Friend  -  Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums]  [Caravan Sites & Camping]  [Company Listings]  [Features / Advice]  [Virtual Brochure]  [Shop!]
[Reception]  [Competitions]  [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale]  [Event Diary]  [Contact Us]  [Tent Reviews] 



Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024


Advertisement
Advertisement


UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar

Advent Calendar

24 Daily Prizes PLUS a Christmas Day Star Prize worth £999

Request a Reminder