Going to Paris in 2 weeks, is it better to take US $ and convert there or look for an ATM there?

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webworm90

That really depend on what your bank charges you. The bank should be able to tell you which is the best way.

If your atm card has either Visa or MasterCard symbol on it. You should be able to use it anywhere in France. France merchants do have minimum purchase for using credit/debit cards. You need to tell your bank that you will be in France.

â™¥ Chelsea Blue â™¥

The best way is actually to take US$ with you to convert it there, because if you take some of your money from an ATM, there will be extra US$ taken from your account, because you're in a foreign country.

Justme

Yeah, I would take it there first. I exchanged money at the Atlanta airport in April before I went to Holland, and was charged alot for the exchange. If you use your ATM card to make withdrawls you will only have to pay the ATM fees and probably your bank's fee for using another bank. I took money out of the ATMs over there alot and that seemed to be the easiest and cheapest way to get cash.

rhsaunders

It probably does not much matter much -- you'll pay an exchange premium in either case. I'd get some Euros ahead of time just to have some in my pocket.

Caroline W

Our daughter is leaving for Paris in 1 month and we have gotten recommendations as follows:
Bring approximately $80 American Dollars in cash that you can use during travel (i.e airports, tips) then what you don't use on the way is used on the way home. Also before you leave, purchase about $100 in Euros (can be ordered through most major banks) so you can tip taxis, etc... in Paris.

Purchase the bulk of your travel cash in travelers checks. These are not accepted everywhere in Paris but can also be changed out for cash/Euros
(airport exchange rates tend to be higher FYI)

ATMs are abundant, credit cards (Visa primarily) are good but beware the exchange rate AND ask your creditor what fees apply when they process your overseas purchases... they love to make a buck!

Bring a small calculator with you so you can easily do the math when buying things.

Ultimately, since we're discussing money matters... Pickpockets are prevalent and incredibly good. DO NOT carry your wallet in your back pocket! The under-your clothes type travel wallet you can purchase at Target, etc... will hold your passport and everything you need. If you're female and plan to carry a purse make sure it is difficult to get into.

Have a great time! Au-Revoir! (?)

Drew M

Get just a few Euros before you leave, but know that once you get there, AMEX Travelers Checks and credit cards will give you the most bang for your buck on the exchange rate.

mikhal k

better to take euros paris is very expensive..you can take dollars there is a change kiosk on nearly evey corner.from mikhal in israel.

Listar71

Now this was told to me by a bank. it is better to go to the ATM becuase you can get it at the current rate. Also it will convert it automatically. also Take it out in lump sum and never at the Airport it always higher.

jasmine

take some Euros (with you, just to get some food, medicine etc., at the airport on landing,) and take travellers checks in USD and/or Euros, credit card and finally ATM card

Rillifane

This is one of the most controversial and complex questions concerning travel. I can only tell you what I do when traveling to Paris (and specifically Paris).

I buy 200 hundred Euros at home. The exchange rate in most American cities is very bad but I want to have local currency when I arrive and not feel compelled to make changing money my first priority when arriving.

I get enough dollar denominated traveler's checks to cover at least half of my anticipated expenses exclusive of my hotel room. My bank provides Amex TC's at no cost to me and the main American Express office by the Opera Garnier gives fairly good exchange rates and charges no fees to Amex card holders.

I use a Capital One credit card to pay for everything I can, including my Hotel room. Capital One has good exchange rates and the lowest processing fees.

I don't use ATMs but then I don't use ATMs in the States either. However, its also because I have heard a lot of tales of woe from people who have had difficulties with ATMs in Europe.

jenny s

I converted a little money before I left so I would have cash upon arrival but used the ATM while over there. There was no more charge for using that ATM then there was for me in the US and they are convenient.

Like another person said- Beware of pickpockets! My friend and I had 2 young girls open our backpack before we even realized what happened. Luckily we were prepared and the only things in the bag were our mittens and water bottle and Metro map. They didn't take anything but they are QUICK!

Baiocchi

Be careful with the ATM fee.. If you take money at the ATM take a bunch of money to get charged just once with the fee.

If you want to convert your $ into â‚¬ in Paris, I know a place they change it for free, no charge. It's in the basement of the Palais des CongrÃ¨s in the 17th arrondissement, MÃ©tro station is Porte Maillot (line 1). I hope it is still here because I haven't been there for 5 years.

duoak

The best thing to do is get it converted at your bank in the US before you leave. You could also convert it at the airport before your flight departs. But do not use an ATM there. Your bank will charge you fees and the local ATM company and bank will also charge you fees.

HaveUmetTed

Both are good, take some cash with you in case of problems and take your credit card for the rest

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