What type of currency does paris use

In those cases, seek a bank to exchange your foreign currency in Paris, as banks tend to offer better exchange rates — usually around 8 percent, as opposed to exchange kiosks, which may charge up to 15 percent.. Banks in Paris generally stay open from 9 a. Monday through Friday, and some open from Tuesday through Saturday. Bureaux de change, or currency exchange points, are often open on weekends, especially in busier tourist areas. Both banks and exchange points fix their exchange rates based on the current market, which fluctuates day-to-day.

They typically post their exchange rates out front, and you should seek an approximate 5 percent difference between buying and selling rates. That said, most exchange points charge a commission to change foreign currency into euros. The exact amount varies between places, and sometimes depends on your form of payment traveler's checks, cash, etc.

Expect to pay a higher relative commission to exchange smaller sums of cash. If you're traveling with a bank card, count on it as the best way to get cash out pretty much anywhere in Europe, Paris included. If your personal bank has ATM locations in Paris, you might be able to withdraw euros there without incurring any fees at all. Most banks and out-of-bank ATMs, however, do charge fees. American Express is accepted at higher-end boutiques and restaurants that cater to tourists.

The European Union was first created as the commun market. It involved no commun currency. An economic and monetary union EMU was a recurring ambition for the European Union from the late s onwards. It involves coordinating economic and fiscal policies, a common monetary policy, and a common currency, the euro.

The international currency stability that reigned in the immediate post-war period did not last. Turmoil in international currency markets threatened the common price system of the common agricultural policy, a main pillar of what was then the European Economic Community. Later attempts to achieve stable exchange rates were hit by oil crises and other shocks until, in , the European Monetary System EMS was launched.

The EMS was built on a system of exchange rates used to keep participating currencies within a narrow band. Banks often close earlier the day before a public holiday.

Currency exchange Currency exchange can be made in most banks and post offices as well as in some large stores, train stations, airports and exchange offices near major tourist sites.

Look for a sign indicating "Change". Remember that even though exchange rates are fixed, agent commissions vary: they must be clearly displayed. Exchange rates vary from bank to bank in the U. Large cities in the U. The same applies in France. In general, it is best to find a larger bank or exchange office in the center of town or in a financial area.

If only a small amount of money is being exchanged, the hotel's money exchange rate may be adequate. Traveler's checks in U. Traveler's checks in Euros can be purchased in the U. It's a good idea to call the toll-free number on the back of your card before leaving home, just to make sure that your card will be honored while you're abroad.

For more advice on cash, credit cards, VAT refunds on shopping purchases, and other money-related topics, read these articles from Europeforvisitors. About us. Where to stay in Paris. Featured hotels by district. Paris apartment rentals. Paris airport shuttles. Paris for Visitors - Home. Contact information, disclosures, audience. All rights reserved. Where to Stay.