France, a country synonymous with elegance and culture, offers a mosaic of experiences from the chic boulevards of Paris to the lavender fields of Provence, and from the vineyards of Bordeaux to the glamorous shores of the French Riviera. The allure of its art, cuisine, and history beckons travellers from around the globe. Navigating the financial landscape is key to a seamless journey, so understanding the local currency and cash along with cash and ATMs in France and accepted payment options is essential. This guide will provide you with the financial insights needed to savour the charm and sophistication of France with ease and confidence.
You may also enjoy reading Ultimate guide on how to save money for travelling in 2025.
Where can I find ATMs in France?
France features an extensive network of more than 46,000 ATMs, making cash access convenient in both cities and towns. However, if you’re exploring off-the-beaten-path places, ATMs may be hard to come by. You’re likely to find ATMs at major airports, market areas, tourist-friendly streets, and near banks.
You can find ATMs at:
- major transport hubs, central markets, busy tourist streets, malls, and near banks.,
- Central Markets,
- Busy tourist streets,
- Malls,
- Near Banks,
It will be difficult to find ATMs in:
- Small airports,
- Islands,
- Regional bus stops,
- Interior of the villages,
- In small towns, off the main streets,
- Religious places,
- Remote resorts and retreats,
Best ATMs to use in France for foreigners
The best ATMs for foreigners to use in France are those owned by popular banks such as:
BNP Paribas,
Societe Generale,
Credit Mutuel,
Banque Postale,
Credit Du Nord,
Credit Cooperatif, and
CIC.
There are other banks with ATMs that also accept international debit and credit cards.
Some international banks also have their ATMs in France, namely: HSBC
Global ATM alliance: Global ATM Alliance is a partnership among many banks in the world to allow its customers to withdraw cash from all partner banks abroad without any ATM fee. Many banks in the US, UK, Europe, Australia, and Latin America are part of the Global ATM Alliance, including Bank of America, Barclays, Deutsche Bank, and others. BNP Paribas (BNL) in France is part of this network.
Don’t accept conversion at ATMs and withdraw only in local currency
In France, some ATMs may ask – Accept OR Decline Conversion (also known as With or Without Conversion, or Charge in EUR).
- If you ‘Accept’ – ATM converts your money at ATM’s set exchange rate and you pay an extra % fee to the ATM for currency conversion also.
- If you ‘Decline’ – ATM will convert at exchange rate of the bank/card logo (Visa, Master, etc.).
So, to avoid extra fees while withdrawing cash in France, select ‘Decline/Without’ Conversion or ‘Charge in EUR’.
If you’d like to understand more, read ATM fees abroad: Charges to use cards at foreign ATMs explained.
Can I use a foreign debit or credit card at an ATM in France?
Yes, many foreign debit and credit cards are widely accepted at ATMs in France. ATMs commonly accept Visa and Mastercards. Some of them also accept Plus and Cirrus cards. Only some accept American Express, Diners, Discover cards. Others like CUP, JCB, Maestro or Rupay cards are usually not accepted.
For a detailed guide, read Money and Currency in France.
What are the ATM opening hours?
ATMs – In most cases, yes, they are open around the clock, every day of the year 24×7. You should have no trouble getting to any of them at any hour of the day or night because many of them are self-contained ATMs. Depending on the location, some bank branches may only be open from 9 am to 3 pm.
What do they call ATMs in France?
Word ATM is widely used or words like DAB also. You may also see no signage except the bank name.
PIN type
Also, many merchants used old machines which require a magnetic stripe on the card and not just a chip-and-pin card.
Languages at ATMs in France
French ATMs give you the option of French or English, with some also offering German and Spanish. Should you find the language a barrier, you can use Google Translate’s camera function, but remember, patience is key as translations can vary.
If you cannot understand these languages, it’s fine. Use the camera feature of Google Translate to translate the selections on your phone in real time! Note: Because these translations are not always accurate, please take your time and finish the transaction without haste.
Do ATMs in France work similarly as other countries?
France has modern ATMs similar to those in other developed economies, complete with similar functionalities. Some may hold onto your card until the transaction is complete, so don’t leave it behind.
Join the discussion, read and share cash related travel experiences on ATM Fee Saver’s Community Travel Forum at Money & Travel in Europe.
What currencies can I withdraw from ATMs in France?
ATMs in France dispense only the official currency Euro (EUR).
ATM withdrawal limits in France?
Majority of the ATMs in France have a maximum withdrawal limit per transaction of as much as the card’s limit.
ATM Fees in France?
There are many fee-free ATMs in France. Majority of the Bank ATMs in France do not charge any ATM Access Fees per transaction to foreign card holders. There is one bank that charges EUR 5 to EUR 6 for some cards from UK, post Brexit. So, there are many fee-free ATMs you can use in France as a foreign cardholder!
Apart from ATM Access Fees, there can be other potential charges to withdraw cash in France – something every traveller handling cash in France should be aware of. These are:
- Currency Conversion Fees (Accept or Decline Conversion)
- Your Bank’s currency conversion fee – Some banks charge the card holder a fee to use the card abroad. Cross check with your bank on what the charges are.
How to avoid high fees when withdrawing cash in France?
- Use the fee-free or lower fee ATMs in the country.
- Use the ATM Fee Saver app to find fee-free or low-fee ATMs.
- Opt for “Decline Conversion” or “Without Conversion” during ATM transactions.
- Consider getting a fee-free travel card from your home country.
- Get one Visa and one Mastercard fee-free cards as some ATMs abroad accept only Visa and some only Mastercard.
- Avoid using ATMs at the airports, sometimes they have higher fees.
For a detailed guide, read Withdrawing cash abroad? 9 best ways to save foreign ATM fees.
Ways to find fee-free ATMs in France?
Discover fee-free and low-fee ATMs on the ATM Fee Saver mobile app for iOS and Android. This app provides ATM PINs and details of leading bank ATMs such as ATM fees and withdrawal limits for foreign cardholders at ATMs in France. Moreover, its simple fee calculator helps you determine exact withdrawal charges. You can also find cash tips and tricks on the app for 160+ countries including France.
Download now from the App Store or Play Store.
Download ATM Fee Saver now.
Is it safe to use France ATMs?
ATM safety in France depends on the location, time, and people around the ATM. Nighttime usage in empty streets poses a higher risk of mugging.
To be safe, use precautions such as:
- Use the ATMs located inside bank branches instead of standalone ones.
- Avoid using ATMs on empty streets or late at night.
- Keep your card visible at all times.
- Cover the PIN pad with the palm of your hand to avoid revealing your PIN to hidden cameras.
- If you find any suspicious devices attached around the keypad area of the ATM, do not use the ATM.
- Be aware of your surroundings, if you see suspicious people, move away.
- Keep two or more cards as backup.
- If also using your mobile phone for the transaction, avoid using public Wi-Fi. Use VPN for extra protection.
FAQs
What to do if an ATM takes your card?
If an ATM in France takes your card, contact the bank (if you used an ATM inside a bank branch), they may retreive your card if you have proof of identity. You can also contact the bank’s helpline but they usually retreive and resend new cards only for their own customers. If so, you’ll need to contact your own bank and ask them to deliver a new card at home or abroad.
Fee-free ATMs and possible to withdraw cash free of cost at ATMs here?
Yes, it is possible. There are many fee-free ATMs in France. Majority of the Bank ATMs in France do not charge any ATM Access Fees per transaction to foreign card holders. There is one bank that charges EUR 5 to EUR 6 for some cards from UK, post Brexit. So, there are many fee-free ATMs you can use in France as a foreign cardholder!
Foreign cards from US, UK, India, China, Europe, Australia accepted at ATMs in France?
Yes. You can usually use cards from the US, UK, Europe, Australia, and other countries at ATMs in France
Bitcoin ATMs?
Yes, there are about 10 Bitcoin ATMs in France.
Foreign bank ATMs’ in France
Bank of America: Not present
Citbank: Yes, there are a few Citibank ATMs in France.
Barclays: Yes there are a few.
HSBC: No.
Standard Chartered: Not present.
Credit Agricole ATMs are not free to use for foreign card holders. They charge 5 to 6euros per withdrawal.
Totally agree, this was done by the bank post Brexit. Really sad!