Money tips for travelers

The first-time traveler to France may be baffled by the French banking system. However, if one knows the system, one can better negotiate his or her way through it without encountering any unpleasant surprises. Here are some tips that provide ideas to make your trip less worrysome, at least financially.

Travelers checks: In my experience, American Express travelers checks have been the most widely accepted at banks in France. I have found banks even in the smallest villages which effortlessly change them into francs. But, there is one small problem with traveler's checks, that is some banks charge a commission when they change them. One bank I went to charged me the equivalent of 6 U.S. dollars to change a check worth 20 U.S. dollars. Yet, there is even a way to avoid commissions. The Banque de France does not charge commissions on cashing traveler's checks. They also accept most other brands- not just American Express. So technically you CAN leave home without them.

Credit cards:

Many American credit cards (VISA, Mastercard, American Express) are accepted by French ATM's, restaurants, stores, hotels and even grocery stores. But before counting on your credit card, find out if it's a universal card, that is, one that works outside of the U.S. When you do want to use your card, ask the store, restaurant, etc. if they take that type of card. After you have confirmed that they do, make sure that the credit card machine they're using allows them to swipe your card. Most European cards work by inserting them into a credit card machine rather than swiping them. Make sure a merchant's machine allows for both.

In the case of automatic teller machines, first you must read the signs attached to the machine to see if it takes your card. After confirming that, use them as you would in the U.S. Most of them have language selection options as well. If the machine decides to reject your card, don't retry it more than once because you run the risk of losing it. If the machine eats your card, many times you're out of luck because some banks won't give it back. Use credit cards with caution.

Money orders:

In my experience, money orders are not the best way to bring American currency into the country. Sometimes banks charge a fee to cash them as well as attach waiting periods to them. Other banks don't accept them at all.

Cash:

If you choose to bring U.S. dollars into the country, don't get them changed to francs at an airport. A large commission will be charged. The best exchange rates can be found in banks. The only risky part in bringing U.S. dollars into the country is that- of course- they could be stolen. But even this can be remedied by carrying them in a wallet designed to be worn under clothing.

Banking hours:

Each bank keeps different hours, however as a general rule count on banks being closed on weekends, and between noon and two in the afternoon for a lunch break. Not all banks operate the same way, but it's still important to pay close attention to the banking hours so you don't find yourself stuck without cash.

Other useful tips:

Phrasebooks are always useful -especially when traveling outside of Paris. In my experience, the French greatly appreciate even the smallest effort to speak their language.

Calculators are also useful to figure out prices in U.S. dollars. If you don't feel like bringing a calculator, say that each U.S. dollar is roughly equivalant to 5 French francs each time you're figuring the cost of something.

Before leaving, it's good to know that food is expensive. But there are ways around this too. One can eat a decent take-out breakfast (croissants, pains au chocolat) and lunch (sandwiches, small pizzas) out of bakeries. Otherwise, one can take coffee or hot chocolate from a café. For dinner, there are places like the cafétéria Casino which serve almost everything. Their ice cream is especially good (and cheap). Cafés are not too expensive either but they mainly serve sandwiches, omelettes, French fries, and pizzas.

Restaurants range from inexpensive to very expensive. In an inexpensive restaurant, one can have a meal for around 12 U.S. dollars per person. Otherwise the sky is the limit as far as restaurant prices are concerned.

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