I'm off to Paris on Friday (whoo hoo!) but am not sure what to do about euros. Do I get all my spending money in Euros before I go? Or do I take £100 or so and then use my debit card for purchases when out there?
I would take Euro and a card just incase.
If your going to use the metro you will need to buy a metro card when you arrive, trip adviser has lots of good, helpful advice.
I can't remember seeing any exchange bureaus, but I guess I wasn't looking for them, but I'm sure they will have them at airports and eurostar station.
If you change your money here you can shop around for the best deal, you don't want to waste your break.
Have a great time.
France is good for accepting credit/debit cards in most places and ATMs are plentiful in Paris.
I'd avoid changing money at airports or ferry terminals. They're rip off places!! The post office is one to avoid too. Places like M&S, Sainsbury's and Eurochange have the best rates.
Thanks! I'm starting to get excited now, the Christmas lights will be up too. I guess I can just draw extra euros out at the atm, and I'll take some cash with me.
Check your local travel agents for Euro bundle deals. You can get a fair few extra bob if you're lucky enough to find one. Lots cheaper than doing it randomly over the counter and paying ATM fees.
Remember that if you pay for things abroad using a UK card, you'll be paying a flat fee for every single transaction, a percentage commission for the purchase and the currency exchange will be calculated using the bank's own rates rather than the official rate.
Just walking around buying a few things from a few shops, having a coffee, lunch, a couple of rounds in a bar and other stuff can result in you throwing loads of money away.
Remember that if you pay for things abroad using a UK card, you'll be paying a flat fee for every single transaction, a percentage commission for the purchase and the currency exchange will be calculated using the bank's own rates rather than the official rate.
Just walking around buying a few things from a few shops, having a coffee, lunch, a couple of rounds in a bar and other stuff can result in you throwing loads of money away.
It depends on which card you use. Some are good for foreign use and can be cheaper than changing cash while others are terrible.
Personally, I never change money before going abroad. I just walk to the nearest cash machine I see and withdraw what I need. Plus I often have some left over from my previous trip.
I found the rate exchange with my bank using the card to be very good the only issue was I get charged a transaction fee each time your use it. So the best idea is to take out enough money while your over their to cover costs of meals / days out. While your in the hotel ask them to charge everything to the room then just pay the one big bill at the end.
I would suggest if possible taking some money with you just in case you need to get a drink or pay for something before you get to an ATM. However as it is paris and eurostar you dont have the issue of paying for taxis or finding ATM's in paris wont be an issue.
Remember that if you pay for things abroad using a UK card, you'll be paying a flat fee for every single transaction, a percentage commission for the purchase and the currency exchange will be calculated using the bank's own rates rather than the official rate.
Just walking around buying a few things from a few shops, having a coffee, lunch, a couple of rounds in a bar and other stuff can result in you throwing loads of money away.
I have a Post Office credit card. No charges for overseas use. Very useful buying stuff online in foreign currencies as well.
France is good for accepting credit/debit cards in most places and ATMs are plentiful in Paris.
I'd avoid changing money at airports or ferry terminals. They're rip off places!! The post office is one to avoid too. Places like M&S, Sainsbury's and Eurochange have the best rates.
Enjoy your stay!!
If you order the money to collect at the airport you get a decent rate though.
in my experience credit cards convert at about the same rate as buying currency. definitely no dearer. used them for shopping/petrol/autoroutes etc. petrol and autoroutes are increasingly non-attended service.
we used to get a single rate, but last year there were two charges every time - a basic currency conversion, and a 3% processing charge. Still no dearer adding both the charges together.
we bought currency from the coop last year - they did a rate match for me.
Comments
If your going to use the metro you will need to buy a metro card when you arrive, trip adviser has lots of good, helpful advice.
I can't remember seeing any exchange bureaus, but I guess I wasn't looking for them, but I'm sure they will have them at airports and eurostar station.
If you change your money here you can shop around for the best deal, you don't want to waste your break.
Have a great time.
I'd avoid changing money at airports or ferry terminals. They're rip off places!! The post office is one to avoid too. Places like M&S, Sainsbury's and Eurochange have the best rates.
Enjoy your stay!!
Just walking around buying a few things from a few shops, having a coffee, lunch, a couple of rounds in a bar and other stuff can result in you throwing loads of money away.
It depends on which card you use. Some are good for foreign use and can be cheaper than changing cash while others are terrible.
http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/cheap-travel-money
Personally, I never change money before going abroad. I just walk to the nearest cash machine I see and withdraw what I need. Plus I often have some left over from my previous trip.
I would suggest if possible taking some money with you just in case you need to get a drink or pay for something before you get to an ATM. However as it is paris and eurostar you dont have the issue of paying for taxis or finding ATM's in paris wont be an issue.
I have a Post Office credit card. No charges for overseas use. Very useful buying stuff online in foreign currencies as well.
If you order the money to collect at the airport you get a decent rate though.
we used to get a single rate, but last year there were two charges every time - a basic currency conversion, and a 3% processing charge. Still no dearer adding both the charges together.
we bought currency from the coop last year - they did a rate match for me.
https://www.bestforeignexchange.com/contact-us.php