Planning a trip to France and wondering about the local currency? The simple answer is yes, France uses the euro. As one of the founding members of the Eurozone, France adopted the euro (€) as its official currency in 2002. This makes travel within France, and across many of its European neighbors, seamless and convenient when it comes to handling finances.
France is part of the group of 20 EU countries that have embraced the euro, creating a unified currency area that simplifies transactions and eliminates the need for exchanging money when moving between these nations. Beyond France, you’ll find the euro in countries like Germany, Italy, Spain, and many more. For a comprehensive understanding, you can discover more about the euro and explore which countries are part of the euro area and the latest exchange rates.
The convenience of the euro extends to several overseas territories associated with France as well. When traveling to places like French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, or Réunion, you can still use the euro without any issues. This widespread acceptance of the euro makes it exceptionally practical for travelers exploring various French regions and territories.
While cash in euros is widely accepted throughout France, like many modern nations, card payments are also prevalent. Debit and credit cards are commonly used for everyday expenses. Within the EU, regulations ensure that payments made in euro using your card are charged no more than domestic electronic payments of the same value. These rules even apply to euro transactions outside the Eurozone, offering financial consistency for travelers.
For further details on related regulations and your rights as a traveler within the EU, you can refer to official EU legislation. Should you require support or advice during your travels, various assistance services are available to help you navigate EU rights and resolve any issues you might encounter. You can Get advice on your EU rights / Solve problems with a public body or utilize the assistance service finder to locate the appropriate support for your specific needs.
Last checked: 07/01/2025
