France travel money tips
Heading to France? Here's a quick rundown of how to handle money on the ground — tipping etiquette, when to use cards versus cash, the best ATMs to use, and the most common pitfalls travelers run into. The local currency is the Euro (EUR, €).
Tipping
Service is included by law ('service compris'). Round up or leave a few euros for good service — never 15–20%.
Cards vs cash
Cards are the default everywhere, including bakeries and metro. Contactless is universal.
Payment methods accepted
ATMs & cash tip
Bank-branded ATMs (BNP, Société Générale, Crédit Agricole) are fee-free with most foreign cards. Avoid Euronet machines.
Heads-up
- Pickpockets target metro lines 1, 4, and 6 in Paris and around the Eiffel Tower — keep your bag in front.
- Always decline 'dynamic currency conversion' (DCC) at the card reader and pay in EUR.
About the Euro (EUR)
The Euro (EUR, symbol €) is the official currency of France. Knowing the live EUR rate against your home currency helps you sanity-check menu prices, taxi fares, and souvenir markups while traveling.
More travel tips
See all country tips →Tips are general guidance for travelers, not legal or financial advice. Customs vary — confirm with local sources for important plans.