France like the majority of European countries have adopted the Euro as their currency. This has made travel around the continent a whole lot easier without having to change money every time you cross a border. The Euro is broken up in to 100 cents (1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 cent coins and 1 and 2 euro coins) and 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 euro notes. Currency Converter Use your standard ATM card at machines throughout Europe Standard issue Australian ATM cards now work in most ATMs throughout Europe. The Cirrus Maestro system which has been adopted by most retail banking institutions in Australia, can be used in most French ATMs. As long as the machine and your card are Cirrus/Maestro enabled you can withdraw money from your cheque or savings account in the form of Euros. Often this method has the best exchange rate too.

Maestro is an international EFTPOS system. Cirrus and Visa Plus are
international ATM networks. Use your Commonwealth Bank Keycard and existing PIN
to purchase goods and services, withdraw cash and obtain balances.

Foreign Currency Debit Cards
Instead of travellers cheques you can now get a debit card loaded with a set amount of currency such as Euro. The card comes with a PIN and a spare copy and can be used in most ATMs in Europe. The main ones available are Travelex Cash Passport and Commonwealth Bank Travellers Cash. Check with your bank as to what options they offer.

Cash
It is always a good idea to carry about 200 Euros in cash to cover contingencies. Carrying more is inviting trouble.

Credit Cards or Debit Cards
These are widely accepted in France. Mastercard and Visa are the most useful ones. Amex and Diners are falling out of favour with smaller businesses. You will need a credit card to hire a car and often for security deposits at hotels. If you dont like the idea of credit cards most banks now offer Visa Debit Cards that have the same functionality as a credit card, but it is not putting you in debt. See this website offering a comparison of debit cards.

Main French Banks
Credit Lyonnais
Credit Agricole
Societe General
BNP Paribas

Full list of banks in France

Guide to managing your finances whilst overseas

Prices – generally prices are a lot higher in major cities like Paris and tourist traps like Cannes. In regional and rural areas you are much more likely to find bargains for food and accommodation. Fuel is fairly pricey all over and tends to be the most expensive on the Autoroute servos.

Internet banking useful to have to check balances and pay bills whilst away