Owais Crawford
If you're travelling to France via Charles de Gaulle Airport, it's a good idea to have some euros on hand. While you can pay in dollars at the airport, it's generally not recommended due to potentially unfavourable exchange rates. There are 25 ATMs available across the airport, including an HSBC branch between terminals 2D and 2F, where you can withdraw euros directly from your bank account. Additionally, currency exchange companies like Travelex have branches at the airport, but their rates may be less favourable than pre-ordering currency for collection or using legitimate bank ATMs in Paris. Some smaller shops and restaurants may not accept card payments, so having some euros in cash can be convenient for purchases under the minimum card transaction amount of €10-€20.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Currency exchange options | Travelex, Western Union, HSBC |
| Travelex exchange rate | Costly |
| HSBC office location | Between Terminals 2D and 2F |
| HSBC office hours | Monday to Friday, 8:45 am-5 pm |
| Number of ATMs in the airport | 25 |
| Minimum purchase amount for card payments | €10-€20 |
| Cash on hand recommendation | €100-€200 |
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What You'll Learn
Currency exchange kiosks
Another option is Global Exchange, which offers reliable and fast currency exchange services with 17 service points across the airport, except in T2A. You can also place an online money order with them in advance and pick it up later. Their service points are open from 7 am to 9 pm in the public space within the Arrivals Hall, 7 am to 8:45 pm in the public area and after customs in the Departures Hall, 7 am to 3 pm after customs in the Departures Hall, and 7 am to 3 pm in the baggage delivery room in the Arrivals Hall.
Additionally, there are ATMs available at the airport, including 25 HSBC-powered machines located in the major sections of the airport, including T1, T2, and T3. These ATMs can be used by HSBC customers to access their regular services, and other bank customers can also withdraw cash.
It is worth noting that some travellers suggest that ATMs may offer better exchange rates than currency exchange kiosks, but it is important to consider any bank fees that may apply. Pre-ordering currency online for collection at the airport is another option that can offer a better exchange rate than face-to-face exchanges.
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ATMs
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport has 25 ATMs spread across the airport, which are free to use. Most of these ATMs are run by Travelex, a currency exchange company with 23 branches in the airport. These ATMs only issue bills and do not charge any additional fees. However, your home bank may add fees for foreign transactions. For instance, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Chase are known to charge the highest fees.
If you bank with HSBC, you can access all your normal services at the HSBC Roissy Air France Branch, located in the public area near the TGV Station, between terminals 2D and 2F. This branch is open from Monday to Friday, 08:45 to 17:00. There is also an HSBC ATM in Terminal 2, above the train station.
It is important to note that airport ATMs may offer unfavourable exchange rates and additional fees. Some travellers recommend withdrawing smaller amounts at the airport and finding a bank-owned ATM in the city to avoid excessive fees. Additionally, some ATMs may offer Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC), which allows the ATM owner to set their own exchange rate, potentially up to 15% higher than the standard rate. Therefore, it is advisable to read the instructions on the ATM screen carefully before proceeding with any transactions.
Overall, while ATMs at Charles de Gaulle Airport can be a convenient option for accessing cash, it is essential to be aware of potential fees and unfavourable exchange rates.
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Pre-ordering currency
While it is not known whether US dollars are accepted as a means of payment at Charles de Gaulle Airport, there are several currency exchange options available at the airport. However, airport currency exchange counters generally offer the worst exchange rates. Thus, it is advisable to pre-order your currency before travelling to get a better rate.
Most banks allow you to order foreign currency online, via a mobile app, or by phone. You can typically pick up your order at a local branch, and some banks may even ship the currency to you for free, depending on the amount ordered. Bank of America, for example, offers free standard shipping for Preferred Rewards clients.
When ordering currency, it is important to understand all the fees involved. Some banks charge a service fee for transactions under a certain amount, such as $1,000, while others may charge a shipping fee. For instance, Citi charges a $5 service fee for transactions under $1,000, and Bank of America charges $7.50 for standard shipping.
To ensure you get a fair deal, compare the exchange rates offered by your bank with current rates from trusted sources such as Reuters or the International Monetary Fund. Additionally, consider using rate comparison websites to find the best rates before exchanging any currency.
By pre-ordering your currency, you can save money, avoid long lines at airport exchange counters, and start your trip with the peace of mind that you have the local currency you need.
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Using a credit or debit card
ATMs are available at the airport for cash withdrawals using debit cards. HSBC is the established bank at the airport, with 25 ATMs across the airport that are free to use. There is also a branch located between terminals 2D and 2F. However, it is important to note that HSBC ATMs may be challenging to locate and may offer less favourable exchange rates compared to those in Paris. Therefore, it is recommended to withdraw smaller amounts at the airport to cover immediate expenses and wait until you are in the city to withdraw larger amounts from bank ATMs, which are widely available and typically offer better rates.
When using your credit or debit card at the airport, it is essential to be cautious about dynamic currency conversion (DCC). This occurs when you are given the option to be charged in your home currency, such as dollars, instead of euros. While this may seem convenient, choosing this option will result in significantly higher fees. Therefore, it is advisable to decline dynamic currency conversion if offered and always choose to be charged in the local currency, which is euros at Charles de Gaulle Airport.
Additionally, before travelling, it is recommended to notify your bank and credit card companies about your trip to avoid any issues with foreign transactions. They may flag foreign transactions as potential fraud and temporarily restrict access to your cards. Some banks require a travel alert, while others do not, so it is best to check with your specific financial institutions.
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Sending money
If you need to send money while at Charles de Gaulle Airport, there are several options available to you. The airport has 25 ATMs, including an HSBC branch and ATM between Terminals 2D and 2F, which are free to use. HSBC customers can access all their usual services, and other bank customers can withdraw cash. However, keep in mind that this HSBC branch is only open from Monday to Friday, 8:45 am to 5 pm.
If you prefer to use a money transfer service, Western Union has a presence inside the airport, offering secure and timely transactions. Service costs can vary, so it is advisable to check online or with the desk beforehand. Fees typically range from €5 to €30, depending on the amount and destination of the funds.
For those who want to pre-order their currency, some companies allow you to order online and then collect the cash at the airport. This option can save you money, as it usually offers a better exchange rate than face-to-face exchanges.
Additionally, there are currency exchange companies like Travelex, with 23 branches located throughout the airport. However, be cautious when using Travelex, as they may offer you the option to charge your transaction in your home currency, which could end up costing you significantly more.
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Frequently asked questions
It is not recommended to pay in dollars at Charles de Gaulle Airport as it is located in Paris, France, where the local currency is the Euro. While some vendors may accept foreign currency, it is better to exchange your dollars for euros at the airport to get a fair exchange rate.
There are 23 branches of Travelex, a currency exchange company, located throughout Charles de Gaulle Airport. There is also a Western Union inside the airport where you can exchange money. Additionally, there is an HSBC branch and ATM located in Terminal 2 between gates 2D and 2F.
Yes, you can exchange your currency before arriving at the airport by ordering it online for collection at the airport. This option often provides better exchange rates than exchanging money at the airport. Alternatively, you can use a credit or debit card for most purchases, although some vendors may require a minimum purchase amount for card transactions.
Having euros at Charles de Gaulle Airport is beneficial as it allows you to make smaller purchases that may not accept card payments. Additionally, some vendors may require a minimum purchase amount for card transactions, which you can avoid by having cash on hand.
Exchanging currency at the airport may result in less favourable exchange rates and higher fees compared to other options. Additionally, some currency exchange machines may offer to charge your transaction in your home currency, which can be more costly. It is recommended to use legitimate bank ATMs or exchange services to avoid potential rip-offs and poor exchange rates.
