Is it best to take cash to France?

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.



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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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Using a debit card Equipped with a chip, secured with a PIN, and providing direct access to your own money, debit cards get the gold for convenience when it comes to travel money in France. Look for a checking account that doesn't charge for currency conversion or international ATM withdrawals.

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Bringing cash into Europe - if you're bringing more than €10,000 (or the equivalent in another currency) into the European Union, you must declare it to the customs authorities in the country you're entering.

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Advantages of using cash
If your spending discipline breaks down when you use credit cards, cash may be a better choice while you let loose on vacation. No foreign transaction fees: Many credit cards charge an extra fee of up to 3% on purchases made outside the country, although you can find cards that don't.

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While credit cards are accepted in most situations, currency can be more convenient for public transportation and small vendors. It's also wise to carry an emergency fund with enough cash for a few days, just in case your card gets lost or stolen.

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Generally, debit card transactions are cheaper and credit cards incur heavy fees while abroad. So, keeping your debit card in France is a better option. Yet, the taxes and withdrawal fees may vary from bank to bank.

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Advantages of using cash If your spending discipline breaks down when you use credit cards, cash may be a better choice while you let loose on vacation. No foreign transaction fees: Many credit cards charge an extra fee of up to 3% on purchases made outside the country, although you can find cards that don't.

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Is 500 euros enough for a month in France? The average monthly living cost in France for international students in cheap locations like Metz, Toulouse, Lille, and Lyon is 500-1,000 EUR. On the other hand, the monthly living cost of France in expensive cities like Paris might range between 1,200 and 1,800 EUR.

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500€ should suffice if you are careful with your expenses. Avoid restaurants, eat in fast-foods or get stuff in a supermarket, buy a week-end Metro pass, things like that. How comfortably can a full time graduate student live in Paris with 990 euros per month? Can I live in Paris with 175 euros a week?

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Before your trip, exchange money at your bank or credit union, which likely offers better rates and fewer and/or lower fees. See if your bank or credit union will buy back any leftover foreign currency for when you return.

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