Buying and paying for things in France. With a very few exceptions, the only currency used for payment in France is the €uro. By far the easiest way to pay for things in France is simply to use an international credit card or debit card.
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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.
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.
Fortunately, Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, even at many of the street markets and other places that traditionally wanted cash only. So, do yourself a favor and don't leave home without a Visa and/or Mastercard - and preferably bring a couple of back-ups, just in case.
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.
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.
Should I exchange money before I travel to France? 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.
Taxis in Paris generally do not take credit cards, so be prepared to pay in cash. If you do want to try to pay with a credit card from the airport, always ask the cab driver if they accept cartes bancaires before you jump in. But, to avoid problems, try to make sure you bring about 100€ with you to Paris.
The cheapest time to visit Paris is during the off-season — in the winter, before and after the holiday rush, which means early December, January, and February.
The Cost of Food in FranceIn France, you can expect to spend around €25-40 per day on meals. However, this amount will vary based on a number of factors, including which city you visit and where you choose to eat.
Travel Tip: Keeping Your Cash Safe in ParisAnother easy way to protect your cash may be wear a money belt or neck wallet. And don't fall for any of the scams designed to distract you, such as requests (usually by young women) to sign a petition.
I would agree with the 80-90 euro per day, per person, range for a moderate-budget traveler. It could be less than that if you smuggle a big sandwich and a bottle of wine into your hotel for dinner once or twice, when you are just too tired for a 90-minute restaurant meal. Don't forget the corkscrew (the tire-bouchon).
Payment on board the bus can be made in four ways: By validating a T+ ticket using the ticket machine. By validating your Navigo pass on the card reader. By paying €2.50 in cash and receiving a paper ticket.