The options ranked
| Option | Cost | Best for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contactless card | Your bank's foreign fees | Almost everything | Choose to pay in euros, not in your own currency |
| Bank ATM (BNP Paribas, Société Générale, LCL, Crédit Agricole) | Your bank's fees, sometimes a flat fee | Cash for markets and small shops | Refuse the "convert to your currency" offer on screen |
| Exchange office in town | Gap between buy and sell rates, plus any commission | Emergencies | Ask for the exact amount you will receive before signing |
| Airport or station | Usually the widest gaps | Last resort | Change only a small sum |
| Bank branch | Often reserved for customers | Rarely useful to travellers | Ask before making the trip |
The traps
- "0% commission": the margin is then hidden in the rate. Always compare the final amount you receive.
- Dynamic currency conversion: ATMs and card terminals offer to charge you in your own currency; always answer "in euros".
- Street exchange: never change money with a stranger.
- Independent ATMs: machines that do not belong to a bank often charge high fees.
Cash rules
Travellers entering or leaving the European Union with 10,000 € or more in cash must declare it to customs. Cards remain accepted almost everywhere: see paying in Paris.
Tips
Tell your bank before you leave and carry a backup card. To stay connected from arrival and track your spending on your phone, an eSIM also avoids roaming fees.
