ParisByTrain.com

[thornhill]

I'm guessing this has been asked before, but the search function doesn't return any results.

My French is pretty bad, so I'm a bit nervous about buying the Navigo Pass. If I go up to a cashier, ask for a Navigo Pass for the a week and give the person my picture, will I be ok?

Also, can I expect to be able to buy one at any station, or should I just head to a major station?

Thanks.

[ben]

Hi Thornhill,

The Navigo Découverte pass is sold to you and you put it together, not the ticket seller, although often they'll ask to see your photo you've brought to make sure you have one.

You should be OK asking to buy one for a "semaine" (week) and the # of zones you want (just make a hand sign with the number of zones while saying "Zone", which is the same word in French).

Best of luck,

Ben

[thornhill]

Thanks.

They gave me a hard time about buying it. They kept insisting that I had to go to the recharge machine, even though I think I made it pretty clear that I hadn't yet purchased a pass. I even showed them that I had a picture. Eventually the ticket woman suddenly spoke perfect English and sold me the pass. She then proceeded to make fun of my poor French with the other person in the ticket booth.

[ben]

I'm sorry to hear about your experience with the RATP ticket seller. It's unusual to find someone has unhelpful as you described, but it does occur.

I don't want you or others to think that this is always the case or common, as it is not. Most RATP employees are helpful and understanding.

Best regards,

Ben