Ok..I'm clearly the new kid in town-Question

SDgirl22

So...I debated about asking, because I sound ridiculous, but...I need to know..

Gas Station Etiquette

I know in OR, you don't pump your own gas. I'm getting used to that. The part I have a totally akward time with is when it comes to paying. I never bring cash, so when the person comes over to pump my gas, what do I do? Do I give them my card? Do I run the card myself while they pump? Do I go inside to pay? I'm so confuuuusssseeeddddd....

Last night, I went to Arco, and I looked at the pump. Didn't look like there was a place to slide my card key pad for my card (just for the person pumping gas I assume), so I went inside after my gas was done pumping. I sorta felt like an idiot, because the person who was pumping everyone's gas was also running the "store"...

So, what's the deal? I don't want to look like an idiot Californian, but I do. 

Thanks ladies. 

Jeff & Em

I'm anxiously waiting for responses, too.

We mostly get gas at Costco so there are always attendants there.  But I never know if it's busy if I should swipe my Costco and AmEx or what.  

bula

I'm bad and haven't gotten gas in a looooonggg time but I do watch DH do it, so I'm a pro at watching

If we're paying with a cc, he usually (attempts) to hand the cc to the person and states either the approximate amount he wants charged (ie $25, $30) or to just fill the tank. There have been occasions when they tell him to pay inside, so he walks there after he gets the total.

Keep in mind, I think there are some gas stations that they cash only and I think the gas there is a little cheaper.

JeniLovesNeil

Just hand them the card and tell them how much.  If you have cash, usually they'll have you pay inside.  

 

SDgirl22

JeniLovesNeil:

Just hand them the card and tell them how much.  If you have cash, usually they'll have you pay inside.  

 

 

Cool-thanks! Weird not having to put in a PIN or zip code!

ScarlettBegonia

Ha! Yep, just hand them the card and you're good to go. Its awesome in the rain/winter. DH and I used to think we'd have to tip them, and we'd get mad bc we'd have to go to the ATM to get tip money every time...funny how the attendants never told us the deal-our fiend laughed hysterically at us when e saw us tip once, and we've never tipped since

Appletini1230

Any gas station EXCEPT ARCO, you drive up, roll down your window, hand them your debit card, and say "fill it up, regular please" or "$20 of premium" or whatever.  They will scan your card and hand it right back to you.  Then after your gas is done pumping, they will ask you if you want a receipt.  Some gas attendants will chat with you, some won't.  Some are skeevy, and some are REALLY nice and friendly.  Also, if you are in a nice neighborhood, they might wash your windshield.  You do NOT have to tip them for this, but you can if you want! 

Arco... you drive up, tell them what you want, and then have to go inside to pay.  I hate Arco for this reason!

Appletini1230

ScarlettBegonia:

Ha! Yep, just hand them the card and you're good to go. Its awesome in the rain/winter. DH and I used to think we'd have to tip them, and we'd get mad bc we'd have to go to the ATM to get tip money every time...funny how the attendants never told us the deal-our fiend laughed hysterically at us when e saw us tip once, and we've never tipped since

I really wish I could have seen you do this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  LOL

SDgirl22

Phew! I feel so SO much better to know all of this!

bula

Just remember whenever you travel out of Oregon that it's probably not full-service in that area. We sat in the car for a couple of minutes waiting when we went to Chicago... doh!

joleine

Appletini1230:

Any gas station EXCEPT ARCO, you drive up, roll down your window, hand them your debit card, and say "fill it up, regular please" or "$20 of premium" or whatever.  They will scan your card and hand it right back to you.  Then after your gas is done pumping, they will ask you if you want a receipt.  Some gas attendants will chat with you, some won't.  Some are skeevy, and some are REALLY nice and friendly.  Also, if you are in a nice neighborhood, they might wash your windshield.  You do NOT have to tip them for this, but you can if you want! 

Arco... you drive up, tell them what you want, and then have to go inside to pay.  I hate Arco for this reason!

Arco is crappy gas too, not worth the 3 cent a gallon "savings"

estherandgeoff2

I always hand over my card and say "fill regular". And I always go to Chevron. The one near 185th and Walker near Tanasbourne usually has the best price near me.