Do You Use Euros In Paris? Yes, Paris, like most countries in the European Union, uses the euro (€) as its official currency. Understanding how to manage your money is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable trip, and eurodripusa.net is here to assist you with the efficient irrigation systems and useful travel advice. This guide will answer all your questions about using euros in Paris, from obtaining them before your trip to navigating currency exchange and payment options while you’re there. Let’s explore how to make the most of your Parisian adventure with smart financial planning, just as Eurodrip’s drip irrigation solutions optimize water usage for your crops.
1. Why Use Euros in Paris?
Euros are the standard currency in Paris, France, and most of the European Union. Using euros simplifies transactions, allowing you to pay for goods and services without currency conversion hassles.
1.1 The Convenience of a Unified Currency
The euro’s widespread acceptance across much of Europe makes travel more convenient. You can easily hop between countries within the Eurozone without needing to exchange currency each time. Exceptions include countries like Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Sweden, which use their own currencies.
1.2 Planning a Side Trip to London?
If you’re considering a side trip to London, remember that the United Kingdom uses British pounds (£), not euros. You’ll need to acquire pounds for your expenses there, similar to how you obtain euros for Paris.
2. Should You Get Euros Before Arriving in Paris?
While not mandatory, having some euros before arriving in Paris is highly recommended. About 100€-200€ can be useful, even if you plan to primarily use credit or debit cards.
2.1 Immediate Expenses at the Airport
Having euros on hand allows you to quickly purchase coffee, croissants, or other necessities at the airport. Some establishments may have minimum purchase requirements for card payments (e.g., 10€-20€).
2.2 Transportation into the City
Cash can be convenient for taxis, RER trains, or buses into Paris. For example, if you take the Roissy bus, you can buy your ticket onboard with euros, avoiding lines at ticket machines. While taxis are required to accept credit cards, their machines might not always work.
2.3 Emergency Fund
Credit or ATM cards may occasionally fail due to forgotten travel notifications or other issues. Discover cards are not widely accepted in France, and Apple Pay acceptance can be limited. An emergency stash of euros can be a lifesaver until you resolve card issues.
2.4 Pro Traveler’s Tips
Always carry multiple credit and ATM cards and inform your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to prevent your cards from being frozen.
2.5 The Value of a Small Cash Reserve
In summary, having a small amount of cash in euros upon arrival in Paris is always a wise idea.
ATM machine (inset in stone wall near door in lower left corner) at Crédit Mutuel on Rue Monge in Paris
ATM machine at Crédit Mutuel on Rue Monge in Paris’s Latin Quarter offers convenient access to euros for travelers.
3. Best Places to Buy Euros in the U.S. Before Your Trip
The best place to buy euros in the United States is typically at your bank or credit union, as they usually offer the most favorable exchange rates and low fees.
3.1 Banks and Credit Unions
Banks and credit unions often provide exchange rates close to the market rate with minimal service fees. However, they may need up to a week or more to order foreign currency, so plan accordingly. Urban banks generally have faster turnaround times than those in suburban or rural areas.
3.2 Travel Service Clubs
Organizations like AAA (United States) and CAA (Canada) offer currency exchange services. While their exchange rates may be less favorable than banks, they can be a convenient option. Service and delivery fees may apply, so check with your local club office for details.
3.3 Travelex and Money Exchange Companies
Companies like Travelex provide quick and convenient euro exchange services, but their exchange rates are typically less competitive. Travelex allows you to pick up euros at a local office, the airport, or have them delivered to your home. Home delivery can be especially convenient.
3.4 Weighing the Options
The cheapest way to get euros before traveling is usually through your bank. The quickest and most convenient way might be through Travelex or a similar service. If you only need 100€-200€, the cost difference is minimal.
3.5 Euro Denominations to Request
When ordering euros, request denominations of 5€, 10€, and 20€. Avoid 50€ or 100€ bills, as some businesses may be wary of accepting them due to concerns about forgery.
4. Estimating Daily Cash Needs in Paris
Daily cash needs vary, but here’s a strategy many travelers use:
4.1 Prepaying Expenses
Prepay as many trip expenses as possible in your home currency, including hotels, tours, museum passes, concert tickets, and attraction tickets. Booking platforms like Get Your Guide often allow you to pay in your local currency.
4.2 Initial Cash Supply
Bring 100€-200€ in cash to cover small expenses, tips, and initial transportation.
4.3 Using Credit and Debit Cards
Use credit or debit cards from banks with low or no foreign transaction fees for most purchases, such as restaurant meals and shopping.
4.4 Replenishing Cash
Replenish your cash supply as needed at local ATM machines, and plan to leave with about 100€-200€ for future trips.
4.5 Avoiding Traveler’s Checks
Traveler’s checks are rarely accepted in Paris and are effectively obsolete due to the widespread availability of ATMs and credit cards.
5. Getting Euros at Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
You can find Travelex machines at Charles de Gaulle Airport, especially in Terminal 2. However, be cautious of dynamic currency conversion (DCC).
5.1 Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC)
Avoid being charged in your home currency, such as dollars, as this can incur extra fees (up to 15% on top of the basic international conversion fee). Always choose to be charged in the local currency (euros) to avoid these extra costs.
5.2 Bank ATMs at CDG
HSBC is the only bank with an office and ATM at Charles de Gaulle, located in Terminal 2. Using a bank ATM provides better exchange rates without the DCC issue.
5.3 Avoiding Bureaux de Change
Avoid using bureaux de change (currency exchange offices) at the airport, as they typically offer poor exchange rates and charge high fees.
6. Travel Tip: Keeping Your Cash Safe in Paris
Paris has a low crime rate overall, but pickpocketing is common, especially targeting tourists.
6.1 Common-Sense Tactics
Keep your wallet in a front, zippered pocket and hold onto your pocketbook at all times. Avoid leaving your phone on the table at outdoor cafes.
6.2 Using Money Belts or Neck Wallets
Consider wearing a money belt or neck wallet to protect your cash.
6.3 Avoiding Scams
Be wary of scams designed to distract you, such as requests to sign petitions.
7. Where to Get Euros in Paris
The best place to get euros in Paris is at a bank or credit union ATM (called a distributeur in French).
7.1 Bank ATM Machines
Look for ATMs next to banks or inside entrance lobbies. Using ATMs in lobbies offers more privacy when entering your PIN.
7.2 Major French Banks
Here are eight French banks with numerous branches and ATMs throughout Paris:
| Bank |
|---|
| BNP Paribas |
| CIC – Crédit Industriel et Commercial |
| Crédit du Nord |
| Crédit Municipal de Paris |
| Crédit Mutuel |
| HBSC France |
| LCL – Le Crédit Lyonnais |
| Société Générale |
7.3 ATM Usage Tips
French banks do not add withdrawal fees or charges on ATM withdrawals. However, your home bank may charge fees for “out of network” withdrawals and currency conversion.
7.4 Debit Card Precautions
Check with your bank to ensure ATM withdrawals with a debit card won’t be classified as a “cash advance,” which can incur high fees and interest.
Woman using ATM machine (lower right corner) at LCL on Place Maubert in Paris
A traveler uses an ATM at LCL on Place Maubert in Paris to conveniently withdraw euros.
8. Important Tips for Using Your ATM Card in Paris
- Notify your bank about your travel dates and destination.
- Verify your bank’s fee policies for international transactions.
- Know your card’s numeric PIN code.
- Make copies of both sides of your ATM card.
- Ensure you have sufficient funds in your checking account.
- Consider bringing a second ATM card as a backup.
- Shield your movements when entering your PIN.
- Use ATMs in bank lobbies for safety.
- Make ATM withdrawals during the bank’s open hours.
- Know your bank’s daily ATM withdrawal limit.
- Store extra cash in your hotel room’s safe, if available.
9. Worst Places to Get Euros in Paris
Avoid ATMs that look sketchy or are in obvious states of disrepair. Steer clear of non-bank ATMs (such as Travelex or Euronet) due to potential DCC rip-offs and poor exchange rates.
9.1 Avoiding Sketchy ATMs
If an ATM looks questionable, don’t risk using it. Renovations and rebuilding are common in Paris, and some ATMs may appear operational even when the surrounding buildings are not.
9.2 Non-Bank ATMs
Unless you’re at Charles de Gaulle and have no other options, avoid using non-bank ATMs due to higher fees and less favorable exchange rates.
9.3 Bureaux de Change
Also avoid bureaux de change for the same reasons: poor exchange rates and high fees.
10. Should You Bring Dollars to Exchange for Euros in Paris?
There’s no need to bring dollars to Paris to exchange them for euros if you have an ATM card.
10.1 Poor Exchange Rates
Bureaux de change offer poor exchange rates and charge high fees. Many Paris banks only exchange currency for their own customers.
10.2 Hotel Currency Exchange
Decades ago, hotels might have offered currency exchange, but most no longer do so. In any case, using your ATM card at bank ATMs will almost always get you a better deal.
11. Prepaid “Cash” Cards: A Good Idea?
It depends on the availability and cost in your home country. Prepaid cards let you load cash before traveling and use them like credit or debit cards.
11.1 Prepaid Cards in the U.S.
In the U.S., prepaid cards are often not a good deal due to purchase fees. Using your regular ATM, credit, or debit card is usually more economical.
11.2 Prepaid Cards in Canada
In some countries like Canada, prepaid cash cards can be obtained without extra fees, making them a reasonable alternative. Always bring an ATM and/or credit/debit card as a backup.
12. Using Credit Cards to Get Cash: A Bad Idea
Avoid using credit cards to get cash except in emergencies, as this is a very expensive way to obtain money.
12.1 Cash Advance Fees
Credit card companies treat cash advances as high-fee transactions with high interest rates (possibly 20% or more).
12.2 Debit Card Considerations
Confirm with your bank that debit card withdrawals won’t be treated as cash advances.
13. Euros: Basic Facts
Euros come in bills and coins, with bills available in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 euros. Coins are in denominations of 1 and 2 euros. The euro is divided into 100 centimes, which come in coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents.
13.1 Eurozone Countries
Currently, euros are used in 19 Eurozone countries within the European Union: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Spain.
Euro bills and centimes
Euro bills and centimes are the currency used throughout Paris and much of the European Union.
14. How to Know If You’re Getting the Right Dollar to Euro Exchange Rate
Using your ATM card at a bank ATM provides the best available exchange rate to individuals at that moment.
14.1 Institutional Exchange Rates
Use XE Corporations’ currency converter to get an approximate idea of the current institutional exchange rate, but remember that the institutional rate is always better than the consumer rate.
15. What to Do with Leftover Euros
If you plan another trip to France or another Eurozone country, keep 100-200€ in bills for your return. Otherwise, exchange the euros for dollars at your local bank or spend them at tax-free airport boutiques.
15.1 Planning for Future Trips
Save 100-200€ for future trips to Eurozone countries. Spend the rest during your last few days in Paris.
15.2 Exchanging Euros at Your Bank
Your local bank is the most convenient place to exchange euros for dollars, although they typically only exchange bills, not coins.
15.3 Duty-Free Shopping
Spend unwanted euros at the duty-free airport boutiques after going through border control.
Duty-free shops at Charles de Gaulle Airport
Duty-free shops at Charles de Gaulle Airport offer a variety of tempting items to spend your leftover euros.
16. Reducing Your Need for Euros
Reduce your need for euros and associated currency conversion fees by paying in advance for as much as possible.
16.1 Prepaying Online
Reserve tickets for museum passes, priority entrances, guided tours, cruises, food and wine tastings, entertainment, and even trips to Disney, Normandy World War II beaches, and Champagne tours online and pay for them in your own currency through a booking service such as GetYourGuide.
16.2 Flexible Cancellation Policies
Most events can be canceled/rebooked with as little as 24 hours advance notice if your plans change.
17. Planning to Use Credit Cards Instead of Euros in Paris? Make Sure They’ll Be Accepted!
Ensure your credit cards are widely accepted in Paris.
17.1 Discover Cards
Discover cards are not widely accepted in France.
17.2 American Express
American Express has a higher acceptance rate, but primarily at higher-end establishments.
17.3 Apple Pay
Apple Pay acceptance is growing but still inconsistent.
17.4 Visa and Mastercard
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, even at street markets.
18. Do You Still Need a Pin (PIN=Personal Identification Number) for Credit Card Transactions in France?
Most European and Canadian credit cards use a chip-and-pin system. Many U.S. banks now issue Visa and Mastercards with that technology.
18.1 Chip-and-Pin Technology
For charges up to 50€, you can typically just tap your card. For higher amounts, insert your card and enter your pin or sign your name.
18.2 Older Cards
If your card doesn’t support chip-and-pin, request a pin from your bank or simply inform the cashier that you don’t have a pin (“pas de broche, désolé”).
19. Bonus Tip: When Is a Distributeur NOT an ATM?
“Distributeur” means a machine (or person) who disburses something. It’s always good to mention Euros in order to avoid any confusion.
Distributeur (vending machine) offering tasty Japanese snacks in the Rue Sainte-Anne neighborhood
A distributeur (vending machine) offering tasty Japanese snacks in the Rue Sainte-Anne neighborhood, highlighting the term’s broader meaning.
20. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Using Euros in Paris
20.1 Can I use US dollars in Paris?
No, US dollars are generally not accepted in Paris. The official currency of France and Paris is the euro (€). It is advisable to exchange your dollars for euros before your trip or upon arrival to ensure smooth transactions.
20.2 What is the best way to exchange currency for euros in Paris?
The best way to exchange currency is to use your ATM card at a bank-affiliated ATM (distributeur). These ATMs offer the most favorable exchange rates and typically have lower fees compared to currency exchange services or bureaux de change.
20.3 Are credit cards widely accepted in Paris?
Yes, credit cards, especially Visa and Mastercard, are widely accepted in Paris, even in smaller establishments. However, it is always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller transactions or in case a particular vendor does not accept cards.
20.4 Should I exchange currency at the airport in Paris?
Exchanging currency at the airport is generally not recommended, as the exchange rates are less favorable and the fees are often higher. If you need euros immediately upon arrival, exchange a small amount, but plan to use bank ATMs for larger withdrawals.
20.5 How much cash should I carry daily in Paris?
The amount of cash you should carry depends on your spending habits. On average, carrying 50-100 euros per day is sufficient for smaller expenses like coffee, snacks, and tips. For larger expenses like meals and shopping, credit cards are widely accepted.
20.6 Is it better to exchange currency before traveling to Paris?
Exchanging a small amount of currency before traveling can be convenient for immediate expenses upon arrival. However, for the best exchange rates, it is advisable to use bank ATMs in Paris.
20.7 Can I use my debit card in Paris?
Yes, you can use your debit card in Paris to withdraw cash from ATMs. Ensure that your card is compatible with international transactions and that you have notified your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues.
20.8 What are the common scams to watch out for when using ATMs in Paris?
Be cautious of anyone offering help at ATMs or trying to distract you while you are entering your PIN. Always shield the keypad when entering your PIN and use ATMs located in well-lit, secure areas.
20.9 Are there any fees for using ATMs in Paris?
French banks typically do not charge fees for ATM withdrawals. However, your home bank may charge international transaction fees. Check with your bank before traveling to understand any potential fees.
20.10 What should I do if an ATM in Paris retains my card?
If an ATM retains your card, contact your bank immediately to report the incident. If the ATM is located at a bank branch, you may be able to seek assistance from the bank staff during business hours.
21. Eurodrip USA: Optimizing Irrigation Like You Optimize Your Finances
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Conclusion: Make the Most of Your Parisian Experience
Understanding how to manage euros in Paris is essential for a stress-free and enjoyable trip. By following these tips, you can confidently navigate currency exchange, payment options, and safety precautions. Just as Eurodrip provides efficient irrigation solutions, smart financial planning ensures you make the most of your Parisian adventure.
For top-quality drip irrigation products and expert advice in the USA, visit eurodripusa.net. Optimize your watering practices and achieve outstanding results, just as you can optimize your travel experiences with the right knowledge and preparation.
Ready to explore Paris without financial stress? Start planning your trip today!
