Lois Larson
Paris, France, is a popular tourist destination, and many travellers wonder whether they can use US dollars to pay for goods and services in the city, including at the airport. While some stores in Paris may accept USD, it is not a widely accepted currency, and travellers may end up paying more than they should. It is generally recommended to use the local currency, Euros, when paying for goods and services in Paris, including at the airport. ATMs are readily available at Paris airports, making it convenient for travellers to withdraw Euros upon arrival. Credit and debit cards are also widely accepted, although there may be minimum purchase requirements for card transactions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Using US Dollars in Paris Airport | Not recommended |
| Using Euros in Paris Airport | Recommended |
| Exchanging currency at the airport | Possible, but not recommended due to potentially unfavourable exchange rates |
| Using credit or debit cards in Paris Airport | Possible, but some establishments may require a minimum purchase amount |
| Using cash in Paris Airport | Possible and recommended to have some euros on hand for convenience |
| Using ATMs in Paris Airport | Possible, with better exchange rates than exchange kiosks |
| Using traveller's checks in Paris Airport | Not recommended as they are not widely accepted |
| Using digital wallets in Paris Airport | Possible, but may depend on the merchant |
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What You'll Learn
US dollars are rarely accepted in Paris
ATMs, credit cards, and debit cards are widely accepted in Paris, making cash and traveller's cheques largely obsolete. It is recommended that you use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees or mobile payment systems such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, or GPay. While you can use these payment methods for most purchases, it is still a good idea to have some cash on hand. For example, you may want to buy a coffee and a croissant at the airport, and some vendors may require a minimum purchase of €10-20 for card payments. Similarly, while taxis operating in and out of Paris airports are required to accept credit cards, their machines do not always work, so having some euros in cash can be helpful.
You can obtain euros before your trip by ordering them from your bank or using a service like Travelex or AAA (in the US) or CAA (in Canada). However, keep in mind that exchange rates may be less favourable outside of your bank, and you may have to pay additional service and delivery fees. If you need to exchange currency during your trip, you can use Travelex machines at the airport, but be aware that choosing to be charged in US dollars will result in a poorer exchange rate.
If you have any euros left at the end of your trip, you can either keep them for your next trip to a Eurozone country or exchange them at your local bank when you return. Banks will exchange bills but not coins, so try to spend your leftover coins before leaving Paris. You can also spend your remaining euros at the tax-free airport boutiques after passing through border control.
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Use Euros for cash transactions
It is not recommended to use US dollars for cash transactions in Paris. Euros are the local currency and are widely preferred. While some large department stores may accept US dollars, it will likely cost you 10-20% more than the usual rate. This is because merchants will need to spend time and money exchanging the foreign currency into local currency, and these costs are passed on to the customer.
ATMs are readily available at Paris airports and throughout the city, making it easy to withdraw cash in Euros upon arrival. It is advisable to have some cash in Euros when you arrive, as some small, locally-owned places may only accept cash payments. Additionally, when paying with a card, a minimum purchase amount of 10€-20€ may be required at certain establishments.
If you plan to use a credit or debit card for most of your expenses, it is recommended to use one with no foreign transaction fees. Options such as Apple Pay and Google Pay are also widely accepted in France, depending on the merchant.
For the best exchange rates, it is recommended to order your Euros in advance from your local bank. While travel service clubs and exchange companies like Travelex offer convenient and fast currency exchange services, their exchange rates may be less favourable. Additionally, when using currency exchange services at the airport, be aware of dynamic currency conversion (DCC), where you are charged in your home currency, resulting in a higher cost.
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Cards are widely accepted
While some stores in Paris may accept US dollars, it is not a widely accepted currency. It is recommended that you use euros for any cash transactions. Cards are widely accepted in Paris, and this is likely the easiest way to pay for most things. Most places in Europe will take a card for just about anything, even for small purchases.
You can use a no foreign transaction fee credit card, or mobile payment systems such as Apple, Google, or Samsung Pay. However, it is worth noting that some small, local businesses may only take cash, so it is a good idea to have some euros with you. You can get euros from an ATM, but be aware that some may charge a fee. If you need to exchange currency, you may get a better rate at your bank before you travel, although this is not necessary as you can also exchange money at the airport.
When using your card in Paris, be aware that you may be given the option to pay in your home currency (US dollars). This is called dynamic currency conversion (DCC) and will cost you more, so always choose to pay in the local currency (euros).
Finally, while it is possible to use a card for most purchases, it is always a good idea to have some local currency when you arrive in a new country. This can be useful for buying a coffee or snack at the airport, or for taking a taxi or other transport into the city.
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Avoid currency exchange kiosks
While it is possible to pay in US dollars at some large department stores in Paris, such as La Samaritaine or Galerie Lafayette, it is generally not recommended to use US dollars as a primary currency in Paris or at the Paris airport. The use of US dollars will likely result in unfavourable exchange rates and additional fees.
To avoid these extra charges, it is advisable to obtain euros before travelling or upon arrival at the airport through the use of ATMs, which generally offer better exchange rates and lower fees compared to other options.
Currency exchange kiosks, often found at airports, should be avoided due to their notoriously high fees and unfavourable exchange rates. These kiosks tend to cater to tourists who prioritise convenience over cost-effectiveness. Similar to airport kiosks, currency exchange services provided by hotels and in tourist-centric areas also tend to charge higher fees.
Therefore, it is recommended to obtain euros before your trip or utilise ATMs at the airport or within Paris to avoid the high costs associated with currency exchange kiosks. Additionally, using a credit card with no foreign transaction fees or mobile payment systems like Apple Pay or Google Pay is generally more cost-effective and widely accepted in Paris.
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Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) is costly
While it is possible to use US dollars in some stores in Paris, it is not recommended as it is costly. Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) is when a merchant offers to convert a transaction into your home currency. While this may seem convenient, it often comes with additional fees and an unfavourable exchange rate, resulting in you paying more than you would if you simply used the local currency.
When a merchant offers DCC, they are essentially offering to perform a currency exchange service for you on the spot. This service is not free, and the cost is typically passed on to the customer in the form of a higher price. In addition, the exchange rate offered by merchants may not be as competitive as the rate you would get from a bank or other financial institution.
For example, one source mentions that some stores in Paris that accept USD may charge you 10-20% more than the actual price of the item to account for the time and money it takes them to exchange the foreign currency into local currency. This is a significant markup that can add up quickly, especially if you are making multiple purchases.
To avoid these extra costs, it is generally recommended that you use the local currency when making purchases abroad. In Paris, this means using Euros. You can obtain Euros before your trip by exchanging money at a bank or using a NO FOREIGN TRANSACTION FEE credit card or mobile payment methods like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or GPay while abroad. These options will typically provide you with a better exchange rate and lower fees than Dynamic Currency Conversion.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you cannot use US dollars in the Paris airport. Euros are the local currency in Paris, and you will need them for purchases at the airport.
You can get Euros from an ATM, or exchange your dollars at a bank or currency exchange service.
Yes, there are currency exchange ATMs at the Paris airport, such as Travelex. However, be aware that airport currency exchanges may offer less favourable rates than banks.
Some large department stores, such as La Samaritaine or Galerie Lafayette, may accept US dollars, but this is an exception. It is always better to pay in Euros.
It is recommended to use a credit or debit card with no foreign transaction fees, or mobile payment systems such as Apple Pay or Google Pay. Many places in Paris accept card payments, and this saves you the hassle of exchanging cash.
