Benjamin White
Jarrod Suda
Guide
May 16, 2023
Advertiser disclosure
If you're visiting France for the first time, you may be curious about the accepted currency and what currency you should bring along on your travels. In France, the official currency is the Euro (EUR), which we recommend obtaining by using Revolut's travel debit card to withdraw cash from local ATMs.
Using the local currency for your transactions is best when paying for goods and services. At the same time, some establishments in France (like hotels) may accept US dollars, be aware that they will set their own exchange rates between the Euro and the US dollar. This will result in unfavorable prices for you as a US patron.
In this guide, we walk through using US dollars in France, how to get Euros cheaply with Revolut, and why it's more beneficial for you to use the local currency for your transactions to ensure fair and accurate pricing. Let's get started!
Exchange and hold over 30 currencies, including US dollars, withRevolut's multi-currency account. Avoid fixed fees on your first $1,000 exchanged per month (although weekend markups and fair use limits apply). Revolut's exchange rate is an industry low compared to the real exchange rate, and some currencies even match the mid-market rate and charge no fees. |Read our Revolut review.
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Travel Money Tips For Using US Dollars in France
- 01. Can I use US dollars in France? scroll down
- 02. What currency does France use? scroll down
- 03. How to exchange currency in France scroll down
- 04. ATMs and local payment methods in France scroll down
- 05. Frequently asked questions about France accepting US dollars scroll down
Does France Accept U.S. Dollars?
Establishments in France do not accept U.S. dollars as a form of payment. You will need French currency for cash transactions in France. In places that do accept physical U.S. dollars, such as hotels, using them may result in very unfavorable exchange rates or additional fees.
Which Currency Is Best to Take to France?
If you have a debit or credit card that does not charge international card transaction fees, then your best option is to simply pay by card throughout your trip. Credit card processors (such as Mastercard, VISA, and American Express) use their own exchange rates, but they are typically very close to themid-market exchange rate(usually around 0.5% to 0.9% weaker). You can check Mastercard's exchange rateshereand check VISAhere.
If you want to avoid losing out to those small exchange rate margins, then the best currency to take to France is Euros (EUR), as it is the official currency and fully accepted throughout the country. Having French currency ensures smooth transactions and eliminates the need for frequent currency conversions.
What Currency Does France Use?
France uses the Euro as its official currency. It is the primary medium of exchange in France, accepted for all types of transactions. The European Central Bank is the central bank that issues the local currency.
What Is the French Currency Symbol?
The French currency symbol is the sign, €. It is used to represent the Euro (EUR).
Some write the symbol (EUR), with the symbol and value written as follows: 10.99 EUR.
Using and Exchanging Currency in France
The most expensive currency exchange services occur at banks, currency exchange kiosks, and some hotels or airports. We have seen exchange rate margins as high as 10% at airports and with PayPal.
This is why we recommend travel cards like Revolut and Wise, which give you access to multi-currency accounts. Exchange USD to EUR at or near the real mid-market exchange rate, and get access to those Euros in your digital wallet instantly. Then, use your debit card to withdraw from a French ATM. Best of all, Revolut and Wise are free to sign up.
Where Can I Buy French Currency?
With Revolut's standard plan, you can exchange foreign currency, including USD to EUR, with no fixed fees if the amount is $1,000 or less monthly (although fair usage limits do apply). This fee-free exchange is available from Monday to Friday, meaning there are weekend markups and transacting outside of your home currency on those days will be more expensive. Revolut provides transparency by showing the exchange rate before the conversion too, which is typically around 0.2%, even lower than the rates offered by Mastercard and Visa.
Revolut's multi-currency account makes converting your US dollar balances to Euro balances instantaneous — and at industry-low rates. Best of all, you get $1,000 USD worth of ATM withdrawals per month without any fees on the Standard plan (although third-party providers may charge a withdrawal fee and also weekend fees may apply). The free ATM withdrawal allowance with Wise, on the other hand, is only 200 EUR.
Read our full Revolut review to learn more.
Potential Bank Fees
You may experience expensive and un-transparent French currency exchange at banks, currency exchange kiosks, and other foreign exchange dealers in touristic or downtown areas. We highly discourage you from using these options, if possible.
Banks and currency exchange services often charge higher fees than Revolut. Furthermore, these companies often apply very weak exchange rates on your conversions and pocket the difference as profit. Some providers may advertise their services as "fee-free," but very often fail to disclose the hidden exchange rate margin fee (which averages at 4% to 7+%).
Is It Better to Exchange Money in France?
Rates at brick-and-mortar establishments will often be high, regardless of whether you're in France or the US. To minimize costs, consider ordering currency from your US bank days in advance and compare their rates to the mid-market exchange rate (You can find the real mid-market exchange rate on Google,XE.com, orMonito). Pay attention to the margin they charge, aiming for a rate that is well below 4%.
On the other hand, using a digital platform like Revolut gives you the flexibility to exchange currency at any time, benefiting from transparent and industry-low rates that are consistently displayed before the transaction. This allows you to make informed decisions based on the current exchange rate.
ATMs and Local Payment Methods in France
Using ATMs abroad is often the most cost-effective way to obtain cash while traveling, especially when utilising cards like Revolut. One of the reasons is that the withdrawal fees associated with ATMs are typically minimal, around $1 or $2, or even waived entirely if you choose the right ATM or bank.
Additionally, ATMs treat you like a local if you use a travel card like Revolut (they don't apply currency exchange altogether). Otherwise, ATMs will use the exchange rate used by your card issuer (MasterCard, Visa, etc). In contrast, airport kiosks tend to have significantly weaker exchange rates, sometimes up to 10% weaker.
Are the ATMs in France Safe to Use?
ATMs in France are generally safe to use. However, it's best to use ATMs that are attached to a bank rather than a machine standing on its own. Some stand-alone ATMs, especially those in touristic areas, have been known to apply weak exchange rates on your US dollars before withdrawing. This is called a dynamic currency conversion.
Dynamic currency conversion is a process where you're given the option to pay for a purchase or transaction in your home currency instead of the local currency. It may sound convenient, but it often comes with additional fees and unfavorable exchange rates. It's like a middleman converting the currency for you, but they charge you more for the service.
The Bottom Line: Always decline dynamic currency conversions and pay in the local currency to avoid unnecessary costs (i.e. USD in the US, EUR in France, etc).
We go in-depth into dynamic currency conversions and how they work in this article.
Where Are the Best Places to Find ATMs in France?
Here is a list of the best places to find reliable ATMs in France:
- Local bank ATMs: Go for ATMs operated by local banks for lower fees and better exchange rates compared to standalone or third-party ATMs.
- Global ATM Alliance: PNB Paribas, one of the major banks operating in France, is a member of the Global ATM Alliance. If you hold an account with an Alliance member, you can access PNB Paribas' ATMs without incurring any ATM fees.
- Avoid airport and tourist areas: ATMs in airports or popular tourist spots often have higher fees and unfavorable rates.
Places You'll Need French Currency
While credit and debit cards are widely accepted, you may be in need of cash at small businesses, markets, street vendors, public transportation fares, and some rural areas in France.
Do the Restaurants in France Accept Debit or Credit Cards?
Most restaurants in France accept debit and credit cards for payment. It's common for establishments to display logos indicating the types of cards they accept, such as Visa and Mastercard. However, it's always a good idea to carry some cash, as smaller or independent establishments may have cash-only policies.
As a travel tip, know that tipping in France is neither mandatory nor expected although a 5-10% tip is appreciated.
Frequently Asked Questions About Using US Dollars in France
Can I use US dollars in France?
No, establishments in France do not accept U.S. dollars as a form of payment.
What is the best currency to bring to France?
You will need Euros, which you may instantly and digitally exchange for by using Revolut's multi-currency account.
What is the official currency in France?
The Euro (EUR) is the official currency of France.
What is the symbol for French currency?
The Euro is often denoted with the following symbol: €.
How can I exchange currency in France?
Exchange currency instantly with Revolut. You may also withdraw cash from ATMs. Bank currency exchange and airport kiosks will be the most expensive method to exchange currency in France.
Where can I buy French currency?
We recommend that you exchange currency instantly with Revolut or get Euros in cash at local ATMs.
What are the bank fees for foreign exchange in France?
Expect exchange rate margins of between 4% to 7% for foreign exchange at traditional French banks.
Is it better to exchange money in France?
Brick-and-mortar money exchange will be expensive regardless of if you exchange in the United States or in France. We recommend Revolut to help you avoid fees and inconvenient brick-and-mortar exchange.
Are ATMs in France safe?
ATMs in France are generally safe to use. However, it's best to consider using ATMs that are attached to a bank rather than a machine standing on its own.
Do French restaurants accept debit or credit cards?
Yes, most restaurants in France accept debit and credit cards for payment.
Other Guides On Travel Money, US Dollars, and Euros
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