We could not use velib when we were in Paris in the spring because we did not have a European credit card (chip & PIN). Could not use any vending machines w/ our magnetic strip cards*. Needed cash to buy metro tickets. That was also the case in Norway 4 yrs ago. US is behind the credit card security times.



*could use mag strip debit cards in ATMs to get cash though!


Oh I see I didn't answer your questions; the bikes and stations were everywhere it looked fantastic. We only looked into picking up bikes from the stands, which required a compatible credit card on the spot. If you can buy a pass somewhere else maybe that would be all you would need.