6 Causes Vacationers Getting Fined on the Paris Metro

Navigating the Paris Metro may appear daunting, particularly for vacationers. With a posh ticketing system, strict guidelines, and occasional language obstacles, it’s simple to make easy errors that might result in sudden fines.

That will help you keep away from these frequent pitfalls, I’ve put collectively a information that particulars the highest causes vacationers find yourself paying extra than simply their fare whereas exploring Paris by Metro.

Salut, I’m Lena – journey planning knowledgeable and parisienne since 2006 🩷

If you are going to buy by way of hyperlinks on this web site, I could earn – for free of charge to you – a small fee. This helps me cowl my prices and maintain my web site operating. Thanks a lot in your assist 🙂  Be taught extra

6 Causes you get fined on the Metro

From understanding ticket varieties to understanding correct metro etiquette, right here’s every little thing you should know earlier than you go to maintain your journey easy and penalty-free.

The identical guidelines apply as effectively for buses and trams!

Additionally learn my full information on How To Use The Parisian Metro in 2024

#1 You Purchase the Incorrect Metro Ticket

When utilizing the Metro, or any public transportation in Paris, you see your self confronted with numerous ticket choices. And right here’s the issue: a standard purpose to get fined is solely that you just purchased the incorrect ticket.

• Senior’s: Many suppose the tarif réduit ticket covers older individuals. It doesn’t.
• Child’s: A tarif réduit baby ticket is just for children as much as 9 years outdated. In case your baby is older, you want a full ticket. Older means from 10 years on.
• Vacation spot Combine-up: Tickets just like the billet + are for central Paris and adjoining suburbs solely. Heading to Versailles, Disneyland, or the airport? You’ll want a distinct ticket.

#2 You Trash Your Metro Ticket

Validating your ticket and placing it within the bin? That’s a really protected manner if you’re aiming to get fantastic. You should maintain your ticket till you exit the metro station. If you happen to throw it away after getting into, and there’s a spot examine, you’ll face a fantastic for not having the ability to present proof of fee.

And no different proof of fee is accepted than your ticket.

#3 You Don’t Validate Your Metro Ticket

Some guests both neglect or don’t notice they should validate their tickets earlier than getting into the metro.

This rule applies even when the turnstiles! Which certainly would possibly recommend that validation isn’t obligatory. However in reality, it’s. Ask an worker on the ticket sales space to validate your ticket for you.

If there’s no person round to assist, take a photograph from the station or higher, a video, and notice down the station title.

It occurs much less on Metros and RER trains as a result of you should validate your ticket to get by way of the turnstiles. However slips simpler in case you’re touring by bus or tram.

#4 You Don’t Respect the Guidelines

A easy however usually costly mistake is disrespecting the metro’s guidelines. Lately, I learn surprisingly usually posts from individuals complaining about impolite controllers fining them for one thing so minor as inserting their toes on the seat.

It needs to be frequent sense, however in case you’re caught doing this, you’ll be fined. And this counts as effectively in your children. Sustaining correct decorum helps make sure that everybody’s journey is snug and nice.

#5 Your Ticket Is Not Stuffed Out

Most tickets don’t require you something to do, however for some tickets, some motion may be required. So in case your ticket has a line so that you can write the date or a reputation on, or a discipline to stay a photograph, it’s not non-compulsory. If the knowledge is lacking, you’re fined.

#6 You Purchased A Ticket from A Scammer

Complete bummer, however it occurs and ultimately it’s you who pays the fantastic, so be careful for this rip-off:

Pretend ticket brokers who look very official provide their assist shopping for your ticket on the ticket machines. After which they both have you ever pay for every week ticket however hand you a ticket+ legitimate for a single journey, or a youngsters’s ticket as a substitute of a full fare ticket.

What to do in case you get fined?

Firstly, don’t panic, keep calm after which… there’s not a lot you are able to do about it besides to pay your fantastic. The fantastic is normally between €35 and €60.

So, if you end up surrounded (and intimidated) by a crew of 5 RATP Brokers, it isn’t a rip-off they usually don’t goal vacationers. Frankly, the problem is in 99% of instances one of many 6 causes above.

Find out how to pay your Paris Metro fantastic?

The simplest solution to pay your fantastic is on the spot in both money or by bank card. It’s additionally cheaper as you profit from a discount. I’m scripting this right here as a result of I usually learn that individuals really feel scammed by precisely that: Pay immediately, and it will likely be cheaper. However that’s the way it works.

Alternatively, and if you’re not residing overseas, you’ll be able to have your invoice despatched to your own home tackle. For this, you want to have the ability to present a legitimate ID that states your tackle.

If you happen to can’t do both, pay on the spot nor present a French tackle, they could name the police.

There’s one exception:

In case you are 100% certain that you just adopted each recommendation that I listed above, and your ticket have to be right, the “RATP brokers” may be faux brokers. It’s VERY uncommon, however if you’re suspicious, ask for his or her ID and request the police.

If they’re faux, they may attempt to stress you into paying, however finally allow you to go earlier than you name the police.

Parisienne since 2006 🩷

Skilled in: Parisian Life &

French Tradition, Journey

Planning, Crochet & Meals and Drinks

Be a part of me on Fb for updates and information about Paris.