Driving Questions

[jschulman]

I am going to be leaving this Thursday for Munich (with pick up on July 9), and I have a few questions.

I remember reading that some French gas stations do not take US credit cards. Does anyone know if German, Austrian, or Czech gas stations take US credit cards? I would rather not empty an ATM to pay a 100 Euro gas bill if possible. For those that do take US credit cards, are they pay at the pump?

I have heard different opinions of getting a D for the car. I believe the D can be picked up at the car club across the street from the BMW dealer. If I put the sticker on, can it go on the rear window, or does it have to go on the rear bumper?

Thank you.

[JSpira]

Get a magnetic (D), it will be much easier to manage and you can use it next time also. Found at most filling stations. In terms of placement, I´ve seen people put it in both places and I usually put it to the left of the number place (again, using the magnetic (D) ).

Re credit cards, you pump, then you go inside and use your credit card. Your U.S. credit cards (visa, MC, Amex) will be fine. Petrol is Austria is cheaper (noticeably) than in Germany. Haven´t filled up in the Czech republic for a while.

[mrbelk]

I am going to be leaving this Thursday for Munich (with pick up on July 9), and I have a few questions.

I remember reading that some French gas stations do not take US credit cards. Does anyone know if German, Austrian, or Czech gas stations take US credit cards? I would rather not empty an ATM to pay a 100 Euro gas bill if possible. For those that do take US credit cards, are they pay at the pump?

I have heard different opinions of getting a D for the car. I believe the D can be picked up at the car club across the street from the BMW dealer. If I put the sticker on, can it go on the rear window, or does it have to go on the rear bumper?

Thank you.

I didn't have an issue using my US credit cards at gas stations in France. Unfortunately, "Pay at the Pump" just hasn't caught on in Europe, yet.

What is the purpose for the "D" emblem? Is it necessary for any sort of compliance, or do you just want one as a souvenir? I've never used one, nor seen too many on cars with the newer EU plates.

-MrB

[JSpira]

What is the purpose for the "D" emblem? Is it necessary for any sort of compliance, or do you just want one as a souvenir? I've never used one, nor seen too many on cars with the newer EU plates.

-MrB
All cars must display a country of registration letter in the EU if you drive outside the country in which the car is registered. The newer EU plates integrate this into the left field of the plate.

[mrbelk]

All cars must display a country of registration letter in the EU if you drive outside the country in which the car is registered. The newer EU plates integrate this into the left field of the plate.

Interesting. The delivery guy at Freimann specifically asked us if we would be driving oustide of Germany. When we said "Yes," he only mentioned the different speed limits enforced in the other EU countries; the requirement for the vignettes in Austria and Switzerland; and the emergency vest requirement in Austria. Never once did he mention needing anything indicating the country of registration.

-MrB

[JSpira]

Mercedes used to supply (D) stickers (not sure if they still do). I´ve never really understood why BMW doesn´t.

[jschulman]

Get a magnetic (D), it will be much easier to manage and you can use it next time also. Found at most filling stations. In terms of placement, I´ve seen people put it in both places and I usually put it to the left of the number place (again, using the magnetic (D) ).

Re credit cards, you pump, then you go inside and use your credit card. Your U.S. credit cards (visa, MC, Amex) will be fine. Petrol is Austria is cheaper (noticeably) than in Germany. Haven´t filled up in the Czech republic for a while.

Thanks for the information. Perhaps the auto club across the street from the BMW dealer will have the magnetic D available. Assuming I get the magentic D, I will put it where you suggest. If I have to get the sticker, I will put it on the rear window. Nice souvenir if I have to stick it on the window (along with the Austrian Vignette and the Czech toll sticker).

[jschulman]

Get a magnetic (D), it will be much easier to manage and you can use it next time also. Found at most filling stations. In terms of placement, I´ve seen people put it in both places and I usually put it to the left of the number place (again, using the magnetic (D) ).

Re credit cards, you pump, then you go inside and use your credit card. Your U.S. credit cards (visa, MC, Amex) will be fine. Petrol is Austria is cheaper (noticeably) than in Germany. Haven´t filled up in the Czech republic for a while.

Since there needs to be an attendent on duty, do you know if gas stations are usually open on the weekends? I assume some gas stations may close after 6 pm, but just want to make sure I can get gas on the weekends, if need be.

[JSpira]

Thanks for the information. Perhaps the auto club across the street from the BMW dealer will have the magnetic D available. Assuming I get the magentic D, I will put it where you suggest. If I have to get the sticker, I will put it on the rear window. Nice souvenir if I have to stick it on the window (along with the Austrian Vignette and the Czech toll sticker).
If you are heading towards Austria, you should have no problem finding a magnetic (D) at one of the Autobahn filling stations.

The (D) will be removed at the VDC if it is pasted on.

I´ve reused mine 3 or 4 times already. It was worth the EUR 4.

[jschulman]

If you are heading towards Austria, you should have no problem finding a magnetic (D) at one of the Autobahn filling stations.

The (D) will be removed at the VDC if it is pasted on.

I´ve reused mine 3 or 4 times already. It was worth the EUR 4.

For EUR 4, it is worth it especially if the VDC will remove a sticker. And as you said, I can reuse it whenever I go back (which probably won't be for a while as I tend to keep cars for 5+ years). I will definately pickup a magnetic D. Thanks for the advice.

[Calif65GM]

Wow I think this is the 1st time that I've read about the D on here.

How many people bought it for their ED?

[CarSwami]

I filled up gas in the Czech Republic on the road from Prague to Vienna during my ED in May, and they accepted payment by credit card without any problem.

I had not heard about the "D" either, and no one at the ED Center said anything to me either. So I did not get one. I cannot remember if my ED plate had a "D" on it or not.

CarSwami
Seven weeks and 2 days since ED, and still waiting! :dunno:

[Alfred G]

All cars must display a country of registration letter in the EU if you drive outside the country in which the car is registered. The newer EU plates integrate this into the left field of the plate.

And this is the reason, why you don't need the "D"-sticker any more (at least not within the EU).

Switzerland is non-EU, but I've never had a problem in Switzerland without the sticker. The only area Where I could imagine problems are non-EU-countries in Eastern Europe, e.g. Croatia.

[JSpira]

And this is the reason, why you don't need the "D"-sticker any more (at least not within the EU).

Switzerland is non-EU, but I've never had a problem in Switzerland without the sticker. The only area Where I could imagine problems are non-EU-countries in Eastern Europe, e.g. Croatia.

Lieber Alfred

The Ausfuhrkennzeichen does not have the (D) integrated into it so that is why it is still needed.

Last year someone reported that they were required to go with a policeman to a Tankstelle to purchase the (D) sticker and put it on the car (I think this was in Austria, not sure).

[jacksonhunter31]

This thread reminds me of so many others on this board..relax, it isn't that hard, don't overthink this--it is another continent, not another planet. Buying gas works like it does here; off of major highways the places are open late and in small towns they close earlier. Occasionally you pay at the pump, more often you pay inside after pumping.

People are doing the same things in europe that they do here, they buy groceries, gas, take their kids to soccer (football) practice and kiss their wives (and/or) girlfriends...just living life. So relax, smile, be polite, try to say please and thank you in German (or French, Italian...) and have fun!

BTW--never got the "D", did not see others pasting it on their cars at the ED center, it was never mentioned by the folks at BMW, no hassle for me..

[ddr]

While your US credit card will work at most gas stations in France and Germany if there is an attendant, automated pumps (at least in France) want you to use a French issued credit card. I drove for over 100km after 8pm on a sunday night trying to find a gas station that would take my card (most had no attendants after 6pm). I was down to 1km left in the tank (according to onboard computer) when I finally found a gas station that was open (was 9:30pm at that point), and I had crossed over back into Germany by that point.

Thanks,
Dave

[Kamdog]

Cash is much more prevalent in use over there. I'm going to load up on Euros when I arrive as a couple of the hotels want cash. I use a silk, under-the-shirt money belt for my critical documents.

[Alfred G]

Lieber Alfred

The Ausfuhrkennzeichen does not have the (D) integrated into it so that is why it is still needed.

Lieber Jonathan, du hast recht (you are right). I forgot about this little detail.

People are doing the same things in europe that they do here, they buy groceries, gas, take their kids to soccer (football) practice and kiss their wives (and/or) girlfriends...just living life.

Good point. 100% agree.

But please look in the rear view mirror when you change from the right lane to the left lane...:drive:

[ss109]

I have never placed the D sticker on my car, even though I knew it was required. But I don't think the police care, as I have had Swiss, French, Luxembourgish, and Belgian police all looking at my car at one point or another.

[JSpira]

Lieber Jonathan, du hast recht (you are right). I forgot about this little detail.


About details:

J.W. von Goethe:
Das, was mir wichtig scheint, hältst du für Kleinigkeiten. Das, was mich ärgert, hat bei dir nichts zu bedeuten.

[dave_ee]

About details:
J.W. von Goethe:
Das, was mir wichtig scheint, hältst du für Kleinigkeiten. Das, was mich ärgert, hat bei dir nichts zu bedeuten.


Jonathan - Translate, please...? :)

[bimmer_fam]

Jonathan - Translate, please...? :)

Internet is a wonderful thing :p

"You regard what seems important to me, as little things. What annoys me, does not have to mean anything to you"

[JSpira]

Internet is a wonderful thing :p

"You regard what seems important to me, as little things. What annoys me, does not have to mean anything to you"Well, it's good for a quick approximation but...

Jonathan - Translate, please...? :)


Das, was mir wichtig scheint, hältst du für Kleinigkeiten. Das, was mich ärgert, hat bei dir nichts zu bedeuten.

That which is important to me, you consider to be of little significance ("details"). That which vexes me doesn't mean anything to you at all.

Despite the Net, there is still hope for people who translate for a living :angel:

[bimmer_fam]

It easy to be a polyglot when you are browsing the Net :) Off course, the "human" translation can be a lot more elegant...

JS, Thanks for all your help on this forum!

[Gran Turismo]

Get a magnetic (D), it will be much easier to manage and you can use it next time also. ... unless you're getting a 6-series, where the magnet simply won't stick at the back of the car as there's no metal there anymore. :yikes: