jdubu Loc: San Jose, CA

Just wanted to share one of the things we found particularly useful during our visits to France.

Instead of buying a pack of metro tickets to travel within Paris, we used the Paris Navigo Decouverte card. Obtaining one is simple. Bring a photo of yourself a little smaller than a passport size and you can buy the card at the airport (other venues sell them also). I recommend doing that because you can use the pass on the RER train to Paris proper.

The beauty of this card is unlimited usage on local RER trains, Metros and buses. We also used it to travel to Versailles on one visit. There are 2 types of Navigo cards, but the Decouverte is available to anyone. The other is only for Paris residents.

We recharged our cards once a week for around 30 euros at any ticket kiosk and used it constantly. Last trip on a particularly rainy day, we used it to do a tour of all the Metro stations to see the different architecture and art. My wife and girlfriend were staying with Paris friends for 2 weeks while I stayed in an abnb near Parc De Sceaux. (the chateau there was used as a before stand-in when they filmed the series Versailles) Used the pass every day 15 minutes into Paris via the RER. The next 2 weeks, my wife and I spent traveling around.

Save your card, it can be used again, it only needs to be recharged when you are there.

GeorgeK Loc: NNJ

Great information. Thanks for posting.

pecohen Loc: Central Maine

In Tokyo there is a similar card called the IO (but pronounced E O) which is good throughout the JR line. It saves a whole lot of aggrivation.

jdubu Loc: San Jose, CA

Been to China, but never Japan. What's the transit system like in Tokyo?

pecohen Loc: Central Maine

It's a great system. Within the greater Tokyo area you can pretty much get to within walking distance just about anywhere you go. They do have maps available using english script but sometimes it takes some hunting to find one.