A word of warning to motorists filling up at automated filling stations in France. I've just returned from a 2-week trip, and on checking my credit card account on line I discovered evidence of (apparent) attempted fraud at two separate filling stations - both of them with pumps incorporating integrated credit card machines. In both cases, I have 'pending transactions' on my card statement amounting to several hundred pounds, completely unrelated to the petrol I actually bought and paid for. Barclaycard has assured me that, as the merchants concerned have only claimed for the amount I spent on fuel, the 'pending transactions' will drop off my statement and I will not be charged. But, even if they're right, it still leaves a nasty taste. Perhaps, contrary to common sense, it's safer to travel in France with a wallet full of 50 Euro notes than to use your credit card?