Buying gas in Europe

My wife and I spent September ’09 driving in France and Italy.

The current economic climate did not seem to have decreased the number of tourists, although we did encounter fewer Americans than usual. Even so, we were always able to get a room — no reservations for us — though on a few occasions (in Stresa, Italy, and in Provence and the Lot Valley, France) the small country hotels we like filled up by early evening.

Possibly of interest to those of you who like to drive in Europe, the high cost of gas or diesel fuel has gone even higher. Our average cost for gas was $7.29 per gallon (based on an exchange rate of $1.47 per euro); prices ranged from €1.269 to €1.329 per liter. As always, the price was significantly lower at big supermarkets such as Supermarché U, Carrefour, etc., than on the road.

Aside from the price, just getting the gasoline is becoming an item of concern. Time after time, a station or supermarket facility had posted signs such as “24/7,” indicating that fuel was always available; however, unless there was an attendant present (and often there was not), we had to have a credit card with a European chip in it, requiring a PIN, in order to pump gas.

Our banker advised us that, at the current time, no US credit or debit cards contain a chip that will work in Europe. If anyone knows of any that do, we would appreciate that information. (See page 15. — Editor)

With this in mind, keeping the tank topped off becomes important, especially on weekends when fewer stations are open. Another thing to note is that the supermarket stations close the attendant kiosk at lunchtime, which usually lasts for one to 1½ hours.

Nonetheless, we will continue to drive ourselves. We love finding small country hotels not frequented by tour buses.

DON KINSER

Hillsboro, OR