Yes, France uses the euro (€). As a founding member of the Eurozone, France adopted the euro as its official currency in 1999, with euro banknotes and coins entering circulation in 2002. This makes traveling to and within France straightforward for visitors from other Eurozone countries and many parts of the world.
France is one of the 20 EU member states that form the Eurozone, where the euro is the single currency. This monetary union simplifies transactions and eliminates the need for currency exchange when traveling between these countries. Besides France, the euro is also used in Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Spain.
For travelers, using the euro in France offers numerous advantages. You can easily compare prices, avoid exchange rate fluctuations within the Eurozone, and often use the same cash across multiple countries. Furthermore, beyond mainland France, the euro is also accepted in French overseas territories like French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte, Réunion, and Saint Pierre and Miquelon.
While France is a Eurozone member, some non-EU countries also utilize the euro. Through agreements with the EU, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City officially use the euro. Additionally, countries like Kosovo and Montenegro have adopted the euro as their de facto currency.
When in France, you can confidently use euro banknotes and coins for all your transactions. Major credit and debit cards are widely accepted, especially in tourist areas and larger establishments. For smaller purchases or in more rural locations, it’s always wise to carry some euro cash. Within the EU, including France, regulations ensure that cross-border euro payments are charged no more than domestic electronic payments of the same value, offering cost-effective financial transactions for visitors.
For any further information about the euro or your rights as a traveler in the EU, you can consult the European Union’s official resources for detailed guidance and assistance.
Last checked: 07/01/2025
