Find out what currency France uses, and more
Local currency
France uses the Euro (EUR).
Currency exchange
You'll find exchange services at banks, tourist offices, and post offices in most towns. Some larger hotels offer this too. Bureaux de change exist, but they tend to charge high commission and fees.
For current rates, check xe.com before you travel.
Before looking into cash exchange, though, start with your own bank. Ask about card fees and cash withdrawal limits abroad. Many banks now offer a free allowance for withdrawals, with no charge on foreign transactions.
Various banks and large Fintechs, including Wise and Revolut, convert currency quickly and cheaply and issue a card for ATM use. Handy if you'd rather not carry your usual bank cards around France.
Credit cards and payments
Card machines are everywhere in France, from Paris boutiques to village bakeries. Contactless is the norm, even for a coffee.
That said, carry some cash for rural areas and smaller markets. Visa and Mastercard work almost everywhere. Amex is more hit-and-miss – some smaller businesses don't accept it. Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted too.
ATMs
Cash points are easy to find, usually attached to banks or clustered near train stations and shopping streets. The French call them distributeurs.
Withdraw cash with a major card and your 4-digit PIN. Fees vary. Check with your bank before you go, and watch out for a second charge from the ATM operator itself – even if your own bank waves theirs.
