Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ing crazy. You will have to do a little strategic logistical planning to ensure you maximize the
card's value.
The best thing about the pass is the ability to skip the ticket lines. During the busy season,
this can easily save you an hour or more each day. However, more and more attractions are
starting to sell e-tickets on their websites, so check out that option. For some travelers, these
tourist cards can be an excellent deal, but I urge you to examine it closely because you might
end up wasting a lot of money.
Use Public Transportation
Whether it's the bus, tram, or subway, you're going to want to take public transportation dur-
ing your trip because it's fast, efficient, and affordable. Most cities offer multiple passes so it's
wise to study the different options. A majority of visitors automatically opt for an unlimited
day pass or a multi-day pass. These can be a good deal if you plan on using it multiple times a
day. At the very least, compare the price of day passes to the price of a single ticket so you can
see how many rides are needed to break even. However, a day pass does give you the conveni-
ence of only needing to buy one ticket and you won't feel guilty for taking short jaunts.
Normally, you can purchase tickets from ticket machines or at the ticket window inside the
station. On buses and some trams, you can purchase a ticket from the drivers. Each city has
its own system so you'll need to do a little research. Ticket machines will take coins and/or
cash. Some will take credit cards but American cards may not work so it's a good idea to have
coins.
In many cities, public transportation has no ticket takers so you're kind of on the honor
system. I saw multiple people jump the turnstiles every day on the Paris Metro. You may even
find yourself wanting to do the same thing, but the fines can be steep if you get caught. I
jumped the turnstile once in Paris because the machine wouldn't take my ticket and, about
fifteen minutes later, ticket inspectors came around checking tickets. I tried to plead my in-
nocence, but they weren't interested in my story. I was fined about $45 and I had to pay right
then. In other cities, it is common for plain-clothes officers to randomly check tickets.
