How Much Do I Need?

This is of course the main question you will be asking yourself before leaving home. Accommodation and food are expensive in France, and sometimes there are considerable differences between Paris and the provinces as far as accommodation is concerned (see “Places to Stay” section). If you are a student staying for an extended period, ask for details from the institution where you will be studying or ask friends who are already living in France. Use these details to draw up a daily budget so that you do not find yourself “down and out” in mid-stay.

Bank Notes, Travellers Cheques or Credit Cards?

Money, as the French say, is “the sinews of war” but how much should you actually be carrying as you make that sweet crossing of the border?

• You should have at least 500 Francs in notes changed at a bank at home. If you arrive at Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle airport on a public holiday or on Sunday night, you will need some ready cash to pay for the taxi or train into town. A point worth remembering.
• Travellers cheques made out in French Francs or your own currency. These can be bought from any bank before leaving home. They are insured against theft and loss. They can be exchanged for French Francs at any bank or bureau de change.
• Eurocheques: more or less the same system as travellers cheques. Before leaving home, your bank will issue you with a chequebook and a card with which you will be able to withdraw money or pay for anything you buy.
• International Bank Cards (Visa, Mastercard, Eurocard) are accepted for payment in many shops, hotels and restaurants, especially in Paris and major cities.
• Credit Cards (American Express, Diners Club) are also accepted for payment in France, if your income is high enough to get one!

Get information before you leave home. If you intend staying in France for a certain length of times it would be a good idea to open an account with a French bank (see the “Your Money” section for further details).

French money

The following are legal tender in France:

High denomination banknotes which are:

• 500 Francs (Pascal),
• 200 Francs (Montesquieu),
• 100 Francs (Delacroix), and

the small denomination ones which are:

• 50 Francs ( Saint-Exupéry),
• 20 Francs (Debussy).
• Coins, which come in 20, 10 , 5, 2 and 1 Francs, and 50, 20, 10 and 5 Centimes.
  

Franc Exchange Rates - Rates of exchange were as follows on 25th May 1996

Design by : Marc ELOY - Em@ze InfoSystems

Last update : 01/12/96