France Travel Money Guide
France is well-equipped for card payments, though smaller bakeries, markets, and some cafés may have minimums or prefer cash.
Capital: Paris · Currency: Euro (EUR)
Paying by card
Visa and Mastercard work nearly everywhere. Some smaller shops have a €10-15 card minimum. Always pay in EUR, never the dynamic 'home currency' option.
Cash and ATMs
Use a major bank ATM (BNP Paribas, Crédit Agricole). Avoid Euronet machines — they apply painful conversion margins.
Tipping
Service is included by law. Round up or leave a few euros for excellent service — never expected.
Scams to avoid
The 'gold ring' scam, petition signers near the Eiffel Tower, and pickpockets on Line 1 of the metro. Keep bags zipped and in front.
What EUR amounts are worth
| EUR | USD | GBP |
|---|---|---|
| 10 EUR | 11.35 | 8.57 |
| 50 EUR | 56.77 | 42.86 |
| 100 EUR | 113.55 | 85.72 |
| 500 EUR | 567.75 | 428.59 |
Rates are European Central Bank reference rates for 29 Sept 2026 (published each working day around 16:00 CET; the UAE dirham uses its official US-dollar peg of 3.6725). The live converter loads the latest rate when the page opens.
Over the 30 days of ECB data to 29 Sept 2026, one US dollar bought 2.54% more EUR.
Before you go
- When a card terminal or ATM offers to charge you in your home currency, decline and pay in EUR; the conversion it offers usually includes a wide margin.
- Tell your bank you are travelling and carry two cards on different networks in case one is declined.
- Check your card's foreign transaction fee and put it in the budget converter's fee field.
Budget the trip with the travel budget converter, see all EUR rates, or browse more country guides.