The Paris 2024 Olympics are expected to rake in billions through sponsorships, ticket sales, and broadcasting rights. However, a peculiar issue is causing frustration among visitors: the official Olympic shops only accept Visa cards for purchases.
Frustation Over Lack of Information
Many visitors have been caught off guard by this exclusive payment policy, according to 20Minutes. Kathleen, an Irish tourist, expressed her frustration after waiting in long lines at the massive 1,000-square-meter store on the Champs-Élysées.
"I waited outside for thirty minutes and then another fifteen minutes at the checkout, only to be told my Mastercard wasn’t accepted. They told me to use an ATM, but it was just as crowded," she fumed.
Kathleen, along with other tourists, was unaware of the Visa-only policy due to a partnership between Visa and the Paris 2024 Olympics. This exclusivity has been poorly communicated, leaving many visitors surprised and inconvenienced.
"It’s frustrating because there’s not much information beforehand," Romain, another visitor, noted. He had to ensure he carried enough cash for purchases after encountering the same issue.
Happier Than a Gold Medal
Fortunately, French law mandates that cash must be accepted, so visitors can still pay with euros. However, carrying large amounts of cash poses a security risk for some, like Fabian, who prefers card payments due to past experiences with theft.
To address the issue, Olympic stores offer a limited-use prepaid Visa card and a digital payment option through the Visa Go app. Yet, these solutions are poorly advertised and impractical for many. Fabian, unimpressed by the options, opted to purchase his merchandise online and from local shops.
The Visa-only policy has inadvertently benefited local Parisian businesses. Marco, who sells snacks and drinks near the Invalides site, has seen an influx of thirsty and hungry visitors who are relieved to find that he accepts Mastercard.
"They’re often more excited to find out I accept their card than if they had won a gold medal," Marco joked, adding that he provides nearby ATM locations to help customers avoid further frustration.
