Hi all,
I'm 56 years old and my friend is 62yo. We will be in Italy from 9th to 23rd May and in Paris from 23rd to 28th May, We would like to know how senior citizens discounts work at this places. Where we have to apply for it and what we have to do to get them?
Thank you in advance.
Greetings from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Sorry - YOU don't qualify at all. Your friend might, for some. But then again, maybe not? Read the info below and go to the websites listed.
I think you will find it applies to EU citizens only.
AND
We were given discounts for being over 60 at a few places (not many) and others asked if we were over 65.... It seems a bit variable.
[http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowTopic-g187786-i1888-k3104755-Senior_Citizen_Discounts_in_Italy_for_Americans-Pompeii_Province_of_Naples_Campania.html]
Italy offers the Carta d'Argento ("Silver Card") to senior travelers over age 60. The card costs 30 Euros (free for travelers over 75) and is valid for one year. With the Carta d'Argento, you will save 15 percent on most Italian train tickets and 10 percent on couchette tickets (second-class sleeper berths). You'll also be able to participate in the RailPlus system with its 25 percent discount on international travel. You have to show both your ticket and your Carta d'Argento to the conductor. Certain restrictions apply.
you must be an EU citizen - or your Country of Origin must have an agreement with italy - to get senior citizen discounts. You will be required to show proof of your nationality at many locations if you ask for a discount. Unfortunately, if you are a US citizen there are NO discounts or agreements in place with Italy and thus you would not qualify
[http://seniortravel.about.com/od/seniortravelbargains/f/EuropeTrainDisc.htm]
AND -
What has been said about the discounts being limited to EU citizens is true. However, some sites are not government supported; and, therefore not subject to government regulations. The Vatican has its own rules. And, sometimes, the person at the desk won't ask for ID, or will just shrug off your admission that you're American and give you the lower price. Once, a sweet young thing at an admission register asked us if we qualified for the discount When we said we're American, she replied that she loved Americans. Her sister was married to one, and we got the discount. Bottom line is it doesn't hurt to ask.
. -[http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm?topic=60465]
I cannot speak for Italy but we've been in Spain and Portugal for past 6 weeks. Husband who is a fully grey-headed 68 always asks for "pensioner" rate (the term they use here). Sometimes he is asked if he is a EU citizen and if so, for ID. This usually happens at official places like govt operated sites. But if he buys tickets at kiosks or off bus drivers etc, no one seems to care or even ask for ID.