Do I need cash for France?

If you do not want to, or cannot, use a credit card or debit card in France, you will need to make other arrangements. The best proposal is usually to obtain your Euros in cash or in the form of travellers' cheques from your bank, prior to your departure.



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By far the easiest way to pay for things in France is simply to use an international credit card or debit card. Visa and Mastercard can be used all over France, and American Express cards and other international cards in a number of places.

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In small towns or away from tourist areas, it is always useful to have some cash with you. Good to know: Taxis in France should accept card payments.

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Most shopping malls, restaurants, and hotels accept credit or debit cards including Mastercard, American Express, or Visa in Paris France. So, it's better to carry your card with a small amount of cash in hand for urgent needs.

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The currency of France is the Euro. US dollars are not accepted. Please be sure to have the correct currency on hand or be prepared to exchange your dollars for Euros upon arrival.

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European travelers should always have some cash on hand; getting it from an ATM abroad is usually the easiest, most advantageous way. If you need cash from an ATM, it's usually better to use a debit card, because credit cards often charge a high interest rate for a cash advance.

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Do hotels in France accept cash? Cash is accepted everywhere. However, it is better to pay in Euros, as few institutions accept a different currency. If you haven't exchanged your currency before leaving, it is possible to do so at a bank, but it is easier to go to a bureau de change.

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Bring 100€-200€ in cash with you to Paris to cover small expenses, tips, and perhaps a cab ride into the city. Use a credit or debit card from a bank with low or no foreign transaction fees to charge most other purchases while in Paris, such as restaurant meals and any shopping you might do.

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Keep a small amount of currency before traveling to cover immediate expenses upon arrival. Yet, obtaining Euros upon arrival in France is often more cost-effective, as exchange rates and fees may be more favorable in local banks or currency exchange offices.

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A good rule of thumb, though, is that, on average, you should plan to carry between $50 and $100 per day in the currency of the country in which you're travelling.

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Avoid airport and hotel currency exchanges If you're in desperate need of cash at the airport or hotel, change the minimum amount you need to get by until you find a more centrally located exchange booth. For an easy and usually cheaper option, withdraw cash directly from an ATM.

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Paying with cash in France You can use your card in France for most things, but if you want to shop at the street markets, you'll need cash — ATMs are typically onsite. Places like Porte de Clignancourt and Les Puces de Montreuil in Paris have some amazing deals for things you never thought you'd find.

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