Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Money
The euro (€) is the only legal tender in France and Monaco. To track rates and find local
exchange bureaux, see
http://travelmoney.moneysavingexpert.com
.
ATMs
ATMs (
distributeurs automatiques de billets
or
points d'argent)
are the easiest means of
obtaining cash, but banks charge foreign-transaction fees (usually 2% to 3%), plus a per-
use ATM charge. Check with your bank. Cirrus and Maestro networks are common.
Credit & Debit Cards
»Notify banks before leaving so they don't freeze your credit cards when foreign charges
start posting to your account.
»To avoid fees, investigate prepaid currency cards. Apply before departure, then load with
euros. If lost, you pay only €10 and don't lose the funds.
»French credit cards have embedded chips and require a PIN for all transactions.
»North American cards with magnetic stripes don't work on (certain) autoroutes or at un-
attended 24-hour petrol stations.
»Visa (Carte Bleue - or CB - in France) and MasterCard (Access or Eurocard) are com-
mon. American Express less so, but Amex offices provide exchange and travel services.
»Don't assume restaurants take credit cards. Ask first.
Money Changers
»Banks usually charge stiff €3 to €5 fees per foreign-currency transaction - if they change
money at all.
»
Bureaux de change
(exchange bureaux) are faster and easier, open longer, and usually
have better rates.
»Some post-offices exchange travellers cheques and banknotes, but charge €5 commission
for cash; most won't take US$100 bills.
Tipping
By law, restaurants and cafes are
service compris
(15% service included), thus no need to
leave a
pourboire
(tip). If you're satisfied with the meal service, it's customary to leave a
euro or two on the table.
