It is advisable to exchange some cash before arriving in Chamonix. VAT is currently at 20%. There are reduced rates of 10% (restaurant food, attraction entry fee, public transport) and 5.5% (essential foodstuffs, books, concerts).
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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.
While credit cards are easy to carry and more secure than cash, you should always have some local cash on you when traveling. It's just good sense. Besides the fact that some local shops and vendors won't accept credit cards, having some cash provides a safety net in case your bank shuts off your card for any reason.
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.
Key Takeaways. 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.
Walking Tours in Chamonix, FranceCreating your own self-guided walk in Chamonix is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.