What Currency Is Used in France?

What currency is used in France?

If you’re planning a city break in Paris, a business trip to Lyon, or an online purchase from a French retailer, it’s essential to understand France’s currency. This guide is written for travellers, international shoppers, importers, and anyone making payments in France. It explains the currency used, how it works, and how to manage your money effectively while avoiding unnecessary fees or confusion.

France’s official currency: the Euro (EUR)

France uses the euro, abbreviated as EUR and symbolised by €, as its official currency. The euro is divided into 100 cents, and has been in use in France since 2002, when it replaced the French franc as part of wider Eurozone integration.

France is one of the founding members of the Eurozone, a group of 20 European Union countries that share a single currency. As a result, the euro is the only legal tender accepted across the French mainland and its overseas departments (such as Guadeloupe, Martinique, Réunion, and French Guiana).

Euro denominations in use:

• Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents; €1 and €2

• Banknotes: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200 and €500 (the latter two are rarely used in shops)

All euro coins and notes are valid in France, regardless of which member country issued them. French euro coins feature unique national designs on one side and a standard EU design on the other.

Where the euro is used in France

The euro is used throughout metropolitan France and most French overseas territories. It is accepted in all shops, restaurants, service providers, public transport systems, and legal transactions. Whether you're in Paris, Marseille, Bordeaux or a rural Alpine village, euros are required for all payments.

Visitors from outside the Eurozone—such as those from the UK, US, Canada, or Switzerland—will need to convert their home currency into euros to make purchases. Currencies like the pound sterling or US dollar are not accepted for payments.

How the euro works in France

France does not have its own independent monetary policy. Instead, the European Central Bank (ECB) manages the euro for all member countries, including France. This includes setting interest rates, managing inflation targets, and issuing currency.

Exchange rates between the euro and non-euro currencies are determined by the global market and fluctuate daily. For example:

• £1 may exchange for around €1.15 to €1.18

• $1 may exchange for around €0.90 to €0.95

These values shift depending on economic conditions, trade balances, and political events.

Benefits and considerations of using the euro in France

Advantages:

• Convenient for EU travellers: No need to exchange money if you’re arriving from another euro-using country.

• Trusted and stable: The euro is one of the world’s strongest and most widely held currencies.

• Widely accepted: One currency works across 20 EU countries, simplifying travel and trade.

Considerations:

• Currency exchange required for non-euro visitors, often with fees or poor rates.

• Dynamic currency conversion at shops or card terminals may offer poor exchange rates—always opt to pay in euros.

• Cash is still common in rural areas or small businesses, so having physical currency is useful.

Common misconceptions

A common myth is that France still accepts the French franc. The franc was phased out in 2002 and is no longer accepted as legal tender.

Another misconception is that US dollars or British pounds are accepted in tourist areas. While prices may occasionally be shown in foreign currencies, payments must be made in euros, and using a non-euro currency often results in an unfavourable exchange rate.

Tips for managing your money in France

• Use French bank ATMs to withdraw euros at competitive rates—look for machines operated by BNP Paribas, Crédit Agricole, Société Générale or La Banque Postale.

• Avoid exchanging currency at airports, which usually offer poor rates and high fees.

• Use a travel-friendly debit or credit card that offers fee-free international transactions.

• Pay in euros when using your card—avoid accepting conversions into your home currency.

• Carry small amounts of cash for tips, markets, and smaller purchases—especially in rural or less touristy areas.

FAQs

Can I use pounds or dollars in France?
No. France only accepts euros for payments. You’ll need to convert your home currency into euros.

Are credit and debit cards widely accepted?
Yes. Most shops, restaurants, hotels, and transport providers accept Visa and Mastercard. American Express is less commonly accepted.

Should I exchange money before travelling or in France?
It’s usually more cost-effective to withdraw euros locally using a travel-friendly bank card, rather than exchanging money at home or at airports.

Is tipping expected in France?
Service is typically included in the bill, but it’s customary to round up or leave small change in cafés and restaurants as a polite gesture.

Real-life example

A visitor from the UK travels to Lyon with £500. They withdraw €200 from an ATM using a fee-free travel card and use it for smaller expenses like metro tickets, coffees, and street food. For accommodation and dining, they use their card and choose to be billed in euros, avoiding unnecessary currency conversion costs. By combining cash and card, they keep their trip affordable and convenient.