Payment Methods in France: Everything You Need to Know (2024)

FAQs

How should I pay for things in France? ›

The currency of France is the Euro. Take sensible precautions and remain alert when handling cash and credit cards in public areas and at cash machines. Credit cards are widely accepted. You may be asked to provide ID if you can't pay by chip and PIN.

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.

Statista Consumer Insights

Founded in 1998, PayPal is one of the leading online payment services worldwide. Millions of consumers use PayPal is the leading online payment service in France, where it has users from various demographic profiles, many of whom are well informed about their personal financial situation.

No, Venmo only works in the USA and for US residents. If you live in France and are sending money to someone in France: Lydia, Paylib, Pumpkin let you send money to any phone number or email address.

More than 8 out of 10 French Citizens Are Attached to Cash

Only 9% say they do not use cash. Cash remains the preferred means of payment. for daily transactions (87% use it for purchases in small shops, 72% for vending machine purchases) and for all types of donations.

Advantages of an overseas card

The main advantage of using a debit or credit card overseas is that you won't pay foreign transaction fees every time you spend. While many also won't charge fees for cash withdrawals, you will still usually be charged interest from the date of the transaction if you use a credit card.

Should I Bring Dollars & Exchange Them for Euros in Paris? There no need to bring dollars to Paris in order to change them into euros if you have an ATM card - so do not do it. Bureaux de change offer poor exchange rates and charge exorbitant fees.

European travelers should always have some cash on hand; getting it from an ATM abroad is usually the easiest, most advantageous way. Credit cards are generally accepted, especially in cities; but check with your card issuer about foreign transaction fees and currency exchange fees.

Debit cards from any major US bank will work in any standard European bank's ATM (ideally, use a debit card with a Visa or MasterCard logo). As for credit cards, Visa and MasterCard are universal, American Express is less common, and Discover is unknown in Europe.

Credit cards are widely accepted in shops across France, and of course in Paris. Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted. American Express is not nearly as widely accepted as the first two.

Should I use my debit card in France? ›

With France being a modern, western country, you will find it easy to spend using your credit, debit or travel cards.

No, Zelle® can only be used to send funds to someone who has a bank account in the United States.

No, Cash App is available only in the US and UK. The payment app only allows you to send money from one US or British bank account to another, meaning both the sender and the recipient must have US or UK bank accounts.

The ranking of the most popular apps for contactless digital payments among French people saw Google Pay at the top. In 2021, 70 percent of French respondents had heard of Google Pay, while 68 percent of them were familiar with Apple Pay.

Remitly is trusted by millions for sending money to family and friends overseas. Send cash to 3,000+ banks and 350,000+ cash pickup locations worldwide! Recipients pick up cash without paying a fee.

Tipping in French restaurants and cafés is not expected

This is indicated on the menu or the bill with the phrase “service compris.” Nevertheless, if you have a friendly or efficient waiter, you can leave a small gratuity (un pourboire), but this is by no means required.

Tipping is not required in France (although there are a few exceptions). You don't need to tip French waitstaff because they get a living wage and benefits. It is NOT considered rude to tip in France. There is no standard percentage for tips in France.

Visa and Mastercard credit cards are the most widely accepted in France, so these card networks should be your first choice. While some places do accept American Express, this is less common.

Should I get euros at airport or from ATM? ›

Key Takeaways. Currency exchange shops and kiosks in airports are not the best places to exchange money. For the best rates, try a local bank or a bank ATM to make your currency exchanges.

If buying euros in advance, whatever you do, don't overdo it! In almost every case, euros you can get abroad from an ATM will be cheaper than those you can get back in the States. When buying in advance, get just enough to give you a comfortable cushion and get you through a day's worth of emergency expenses.

Banks and credit unions are generally the best places to exchange currency, with reasonable exchange rates and the lowest fees.

Resist the urge to buy foreign currency before your trip.

Some tourists feel like they just have to have euros or British pounds in their pockets when they step off the airplane, but they pay the price in bad stateside exchange rates. Wait until you arrive to withdraw money.

The currency of France is the Euro. US dollars are not accepted.

France's Entry Requirements

For example, the French authorities suggest travelers must prove they have a minimum of 120 Euros per day if the traveler doesn't have evidence of prepaid accommodation. However, the amount decreases to only 65 Euros per day if the traveler has prepaid for the accommodation.

1 USD = 0.945409 EUR Feb 28, 2023 21:05 UTC

The currency converter below is easy to use and the currency rates are updated frequently.

Using a credit card with no foreign transaction fees and choosing to make purchases in local currency will nearly always save you money.

Is a credit card better than a debit card for international travel? ›

If you're afraid of overspending, stick to the debit card. If you're afraid of fraud, use a credit card. (The credit card won't prevent fraud, but it does prevent your bank account from being accessed in case of fraud.) No matter what you do, choose the option that works best for you in the end.

American credit cards work throughout Europe (at hotels, larger shops and restaurants, travel agencies, car-rental agencies, and so on); Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted.

Yes, you can use your debit card in millions of shops and cash machines worldwide – anywhere you see the Visa sign.

Yes, one of the most important things you need to do before going abroad is informing your bank. You want to make sure you'll be able to access your funds and use your debit or credit card while you're on vacation.

Post office ATMs in France, like French banks, do not charge withdrawal fees. Have a look at locations here: La Poste ATM locator.

You're not required to notify your credit card company when you're going away on vacation, but it is highly recommended. By letting your credit card company know where you're going and for how long, your company will know that any card transactions from that location were likely authorized by you.

Can I use Apple Pay abroad? Apple Pay works in countries and regions that support contactless payments. Confirm with your bank, and ask about any fees they may charge for overseas usage.

What is the mode of payment in France? ›

Card payment

The most common bank card in France is not a credit card, but rather a debit card that deducts withdrawals and payments directly from the account balance (“carte bleue”). In many shops and restaurants you will be able to pay with a Maestro, Master or a Visa Card.

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.

What is the Cash App fee for sending or receiving $100? Cash App doesn't typically charge a fee for sending or receiving $100, with a few exceptions. If you use a credit card to send money through Cash App, you'll pay a 3% fee, which is $3 for a $100 transaction.

Will my credit or debit card work in France? French ATMs accept chip-and-pin cards and cards with only a magnetic strip on the back. You can use any MasterCard (Cirrus and Maestro) or Visa (Plus) card.

After years of waiting, tourists and Île-de-France citizens will finally be able to use public transportation's Navigo card with Apple Pay on their iPhones and Apple Watches starting 2023.

Credit cards are widely accepted in shops across France, and of course in Paris. Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted. American Express is not nearly as widely accepted as the first two.

FAQ About Using Cash App Internationally

No, Cash App is available only in the US and UK. The payment app only allows you to send money from one US or British bank account to another, meaning both the sender and the recipient must have US or UK bank accounts.

Debit cards from any major US bank will work in any standard European bank's ATM (ideally, use a debit card with a Visa or MasterCard logo). As for credit cards, Visa and MasterCard are universal, American Express is less common, and Discover is unknown in Europe.

Should I get euros before going to France? ›

Always choose the local currency, euros, to avoid extra DCC charges. Consider limiting your transaction to 100€-200€, as you can get a better deal at bank and credit union ATMs once you're in Paris proper.

U.S. dollars are not accepted in most establishments, though some hotels, shops, and restaurants may accept U.S. dollars at an agreed upon exchange rate. Coins: 2€/1€/50 cents/20c/10c/5c/2c/1c The Euro is divided into 100 cents, or centimes.

Virtually all modern smartphones (iPhone 7 and newer) are compatible with Europe's mobile infrastructure and every major US carrier has international data plans — so your smartphone should automatically work once you arrive in Europe because the major US carriers have partnerships with local European carriers.

Only credit cards are accepted for payment or to withdraw cash from French ATMs. Visa and MasterCard are accepted in all places where you can pay by credit cards. American Express is not as common as in the US. You should always ask before considering using it.

American credit cards work throughout Europe (at hotels, larger shops and restaurants, travel agencies, car-rental agencies, and so on); Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted.

Resist the urge to buy foreign currency before your trip.

Some tourists feel like they just have to have euros or British pounds in their pockets when they step off the airplane, but they pay the price in bad stateside exchange rates. Wait until you arrive to withdraw money.