Currency Exchange

Like many other European countries, France uses the Euro (€). Euro notes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500. Note that it is often difficult to get change for a € 500.00 note. One euro is divided into 100 cents or centimes. Coins of 1, 2 and 5 centimes are copper-colored; coins of 10, 20 and 50 centimes are gold-colored; 1 and 2 euro coins are gold-and-silver colored.

Credit and debit cards are convenient and relatively secure. Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted; American Express cards are useful at more upscale establishments. In general, all three cards can be used in shops, supermarkets, for train travel, car rentals, tolls and cash advances. However, do not assume that you can pay for a meal with a credit card - inquire first.

Traveler’s checks are safe and almost universally accepted, especially in larger towns and tourist centers.