I need to hire a car at limoges in france but have no credit card?

Question

im desperate....I need to hire a car in june. I can pay using my solo card, but apparetly I need a credit card as a deposit. I will happily leave a cash deposit ...please help

Answer 1

All the companies renting car asks for a credit card, that way they can take the money from your account in case of problem (accident, little bumps you forgot to signal when giving it back, or even leaving with the car and never coming back) or trace you back. No company I know of will accept a cash deposit. I'm afraid you will need to get a credit card from your bank. Visa is universally accepted in France, then Mastercard and then Amex.

The French use a card that is both credit and debit card (carte bleue or blue card) but the French companies won't accept any foreign debit cards as they have no way to go after your money in case of problem.

Answer 2

If you can pay with your solo card then you use the same card for the deposit. The French don't  use credit cards anyway, only debit cards.

EDIT: I always rent cars in France with my American DEBIT card but it is a Mastercard. I didn't realize a Solo card used a different system. I am even surprised they would let you use it as a method of payment outside of the UK since the only cards accepted are Visa, Mastercard/Eurocard, Amex and Diner's Club. You need one of those.

Answer 3

Do you not have good credit?  Sign your self up for a secured card.  This is where you put up the money up front for the bank to loan to you. The rates suck and it is your own money that get charged on, but if you consistently use it for a year and pay your bills on time you'll be able to develop a credit history and get a real card.  Look on www.bankrate.com for different secured cards.  

The only problem with this is that it may take a bit to get.  You may not get it for a few weeks.  If it is at the end of June this may not be an issue, but for the beginning of June you may be out of luck.

Most limo companies in the states won't take a reservation from you unless its held by a credit card.  I've never heard of cabals explanation about foreign debit cards being rejected.  But it sure makes sense.  

Good luck to you!

Answer 4

Your best bet is to contact car rental places in Limoges directly.

1. Go to the French Yellow Pages: http://www.pagesjaunes.fr/trouverlesprof...

2. Enter LOCATION VEHICULE DE TOURISME where it says "Quoi, Qui".

3. Enter LIMOGES where it says "Où".

Enjoy your trip!