What Currency Does France Use? A Must-Know Guide for Travelers

If you are planning a trip to France, one of the first practical questions you might ask yourself is: what currency do I need to bring? The simple answer is that France uses the euro (EUR, €). But as with most things in travel, there are as usual always a few important details that can make your trip smoother.

The Currency of France

France adopted the euro somewhere in 2002, replacing the French franc. Today, the euro is used in all regions of France, including Paris, the countryside, and even its overseas territories like Martinique, Guadeloupe, and Réunion. One euro is divided into 100 cents. The coins range from 1 cent to 2 euros. The banknotes, on the other hand, range from €5 to €500.

Where You’ll Use the Euro

Euros are accepted everywhere in France, but the way you pay can vary depending on the setting.

• Hotels and restaurants: Most hotels, restaurants, and larger cafés happily accept both card and cash. Still, it is useful to have a few coins for small bakeries, casual cafés, or when you just want to grab a quick espresso.
• Public transport: Metro machines, bus tickets, and trams often require coins or small notes, and some ticket machines may not take foreign cards. Keeping a bit of change in your pocket saves time and avoids frustration when you are on the move.
• Markets and small towns: In local markets and rural shops cash is often the preferred method of payment. It also makes transactions smoother when buying fresh produce, snacks, or handmade goods. Even in today’s digital age, having some cash ready will make you feel more prepared and connected to everyday French life.

Paying by Card in France

France is very card-friendly, especially in big cities like Paris, Lyon, and Marseille. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted. That being said, it should be noted that American Express is not as common as the aforementioned. Also, contactless payments are now the norm, and mobile payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay work in many shops. Still, always carry a little cash just in case.

ATMs and Currency Exchange

Many times travelers have found that using ATMs (distributeurs automatiques) is usually the most convenient and cost-effective way to access cash. They are widely available in French cities, towns, and even smaller villages. And they almost always offer better exchange rates than currency exchange kiosks.

We recommend avoiding the temptation to exchange large sums of money at airports or tourist-heavy kiosks. The fees are often much higher and the rates less favorable. A quick stop at an ATM after you arrive will nearly always save you money.

One tip we have learned from experience is to pay attention when the ATM asks whether you want to be charged in your home currency or in euros. It might feel natural to choose your home currency, but this “dynamic currency conversion” often hides poor exchange rates. Always decline that option and select euros instead for the best deal.

Finally, it helps to travel with a debit or credit card that does not charge foreign transaction fees. Several of us use these cards, and they make withdrawing money in France simple and worry-free. With this approach you will get the best rates and avoid unnecessary fees while always having cash ready when you need it.

Tipping and Small Payments

From our combined experiences in France we’ve noticed that tipping works a bit differently compared to other countries. Service is already included in restaurant bills so tipping is not mandatory, though many locals and visitors still leave small change or round up the total as a polite gesture. One of our team members is from America where tipping culture is very strong, and she was surprised at how relaxed it feels in France. Still, she quickly learned to keep a few coins handy, which we all recommend.

Coins are useful not only for leaving small tips but also for the likes of public bathrooms, vending machines, and even supporting a street performer you enjoyed. Having some small change ready makes travel easier and helps you fit in with local customs.

Travel Tip From Us

Most of us on the team have visited France and we found that paying by card is usually the easiest option since nearly all shops and restaurants accept it. Still, we learned it is smart to keep at least €20 or €30 in cash for small cafés, market stalls, or train station kiosks that might not take cards. Having both cash and a card means you will always be prepared.

Quick Facts About the Euro

• The euro (€) is the official currency of 20 out of 27 European Union countries, known collectively as the Eurozone.

• It was introduced in 1999 as a digital currency and launched in cash form in 2002.

• The euro is the second most traded currency in the world after the US dollar.

• Over 340 million people use the euro daily.

• Euro coins have a common side (shared by all EU countries) and a national side unique to each issuing country.

• The European Central Bank (ECB) manages the currency and monetary policy.

• The euro is used beyond Europe too — in territories and microstates like Monaco, San Marino, and Kosovo.

Eurozone (Countries That Use the Euro)

The euro is the official currency of approximately 20 European Union member states. Together, these countries form what is known as the Eurozone. Here’s the full list of EU countries that use the euro:

1. Austria

2. Belgium

3. Croatia

4. Cyprus

5. Estonia

6. Finland

7. France

8. Germany

9. Greece

10. Ireland

11. Italy

12. Latvia

13. Lithuania

14. Luxembourg

15. Malta

16. Netherlands

17. Portugal

18. Slovakia

19. Slovenia

20. Spain

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