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Paris is a popular destination for travellers from all over the world. If you're planning a trip to the French capital, you may be wondering whether you can buy euros at the airport when you land. The short answer is yes, you can. Paris's Charles de Gaulle and Orly International Airports have exchange offices where you can buy euros using foreign currency or debit and credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard. However, be aware that airport exchange kiosks usually have higher fees and may offer less favourable exchange rates than other options. It's generally recommended to use your debit card at local ATMs in Paris or to exchange money before your trip through your bank or a service like Travelex.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Currency exchange at Paris airport | Yes |
| Recommended | No, due to high fees |
| Alternative | Get euros before leaving home or use an ATM in Paris |
| Best rate | Online |
| Travelex | A quick and convenient option, but potentially costly |
| Bank ATMs at the airport | Only HSBC at Charles de Gaulle Airport |
| Credit cards | Use only in emergencies |
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What You'll Learn
Currency exchange at Paris airports
If you're travelling to Paris and need to exchange currency at the airport, there are several options available to you. Here is some information on currency exchange at Paris's two main airports, Charles de Gaulle (CDG) Airport and Orly Airport.
Charles de Gaulle Airport:
CDG Airport has multiple currency exchange offices located in the Arrivals hall, both before security checks, and the Departures hall, after security checks. These offices are open all year round, with operating hours ranging from 6:00 am to 21:15 or 22:15, depending on the specific office. The offices accept a wide range of foreign currencies and offer services such as exchanging money, refunding tourist tax, and collecting money orders. They accept debit and credit cards, as well as Visa and Mastercard. You can also benefit from their best prices by ordering your currency online before arriving at the airport.
Additionally, CDG Airport has ATMs available for currency exchange. There are Travelex machines located throughout the airport, especially in Terminal 2 where most international flights arrive. However, it is recommended to use these machines carefully as they may charge higher fees and offer less favourable exchange rates compared to other options. It is also important to select the local currency, euros, to avoid extra Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) charges.
The only bank with an office and ATM at CDG Airport is HSBC, located in Terminal 2 between gates 2D and 2F. It is open from Monday to Friday, 8:45 am to 5:00 pm, and can offer better exchange rates than the currency exchange kiosks or Travelex machines.
Orly Airport:
Orly Airport also offers currency exchange services through Global Exchange, with operating hours from 5:00 am to 20:30 or 21:00, depending on the specific office. The exchange office is located in the Departures hall, after the security checks, and offers similar services to those at CDG Airport, including exchanging a wide range of foreign currencies, refunding tourist tax, and accepting debit and credit cards, Visa, and Mastercard. You can also order your currency online ahead of time to benefit from their best prices.
Alternative Options:
While exchanging currency at the airport is convenient, it is important to note that airport exchange kiosks and ATMs may charge higher fees and offer less favourable exchange rates compared to other options. Here are some alternative options for currency exchange:
- Order currency through a service like Travelex before your trip and have it delivered to your home or pick it up at a local office or your departure airport.
- Use your bank to exchange currency before your trip, either in person or through their app.
- Withdraw cash directly from ATMs once you arrive in Paris. ATMs can be found throughout the city, and you can use your debit card or credit card (in emergencies) to obtain local currency.
- Use your credit card for purchases instead of exchanging cash. While some small businesses and street vendors may only accept cash, most places in Paris accept credit cards, including Mastercard and, to a lesser extent, American Express.
By considering the various options available, you can choose the most convenient and cost-effective method for currency exchange during your trip to Paris.
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Using ATMs at Paris airports
If you're arriving at Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), you can find ATMs in all terminals. These include Travelex machines, which look similar to regular ATMs, and a single HSBC ATM in Terminal 2.
When using the Travelex machines, be sure to decline the option to be charged in your home currency to avoid extra Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) charges. Instead, opt to be charged in euros to get a better exchange rate. While convenient, these machines may offer less favourable rates and charge additional withdrawal fees, so consider limiting your transaction to €100-200.
If you want to avoid these fees, you can use your credit card for purchases until you can get into Paris and find a bank-owned ATM. In the city, you can use any bank ATM, such as LCL, BNP, HSBC, or La Poste, without incurring additional fees.
It's worth noting that some travellers prefer to carry small amounts of euros from previous trips or keep some cash in their wallets for emergencies. This can be helpful if you need immediate cash upon arrival or if your card doesn't work.
Additionally, it's generally recommended to use your credit card for cash withdrawals only in emergencies, as you may incur substantial cash advance fees.
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Using credit cards at Paris airports
Paris is a very card-friendly city, and you can use your credit card at most places without any issues. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, while American Express is less common. It is a good idea to carry a backup card in case you lose your primary one or it gets stolen. You can also use Google Pay in Paris.
It is not necessary to get Euros before your trip to Paris, as you can use your credit card at the airport and in the city. However, if you want to exchange some money at the airport, you can use the Travelex machines, but it is recommended to choose to be charged in Euros to avoid extra DCC charges. There is also an HSBC bank and ATM at Terminal 2 of the Charles de Gaulle Airport.
Some smaller stores, bakeries, and cafes might have a credit card minimum of 5, 10, or 15 Euros, and a notice is usually posted about this. It is a good idea to carry some cash for such small purchases or to pay for taxis, as some drivers might demand cash. You can withdraw cash using your credit card at ATMs, but this should only be done in emergencies as you will be charged a fee.
Before your trip, it is important to notify your credit card company to avoid blocks due to suspected fraud. Additionally, check with your bank if your debit card charges foreign transaction fees and international ATM withdrawal fees. Some banks, like Charles Schwab, do not charge these fees and even refund ATM fees worldwide.
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Buying euros before arriving in Paris
While it is possible to buy euros at Paris airports, there are several other options available to you before you arrive in the French capital.
Firstly, you can use a service such as Travelex, which allows you to pick up euros from a local office or your departure airport, or have them delivered to your home. While this option is fast and convenient, it may be more expensive than other methods.
Another option is to get euros from your bank before you leave. You may be able to do this through your bank's app and choose small bills. This is likely to be cheaper than using a currency exchange service, but it may not be as quick or convenient.
If you want to avoid the hassle of exchanging currency altogether, you could consider relying primarily on your credit or debit card while in Paris. Many sources indicate that most places in the city accept card payments, and some even accept Apple Pay. However, it is still recommended to carry some cash, as you may need it for tips, small purchases, or when shopping at markets or with street vendors.
If you do choose to buy euros before arriving in Paris, be sure to only purchase what you need for these smaller expenses. This will help you avoid being left with unused currency at the end of your trip.
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Using euros in Paris
If you're travelling to Paris, it's a good idea to have some euros with you, as you may need cash for small purchases, tips, and transportation. While it's possible to use your credit or debit card for most purchases in Paris, having some local currency can be useful for specific situations. Here are some tips for using euros in the City of Lights:
Before Your Trip
Before you leave for Paris, it's recommended to get euros through your bank, as it's usually the cheapest option. You can often order the currency through your bank's app and choose the desired amount and denominations. Alternatively, services like Travelex offer convenience and speed, allowing you to pick up euros at your departure airport or even have them delivered to your home. However, these services may come with higher costs and less favourable exchange rates.
At Paris Airports
If you didn't exchange currency before your trip, you can still obtain euros when you arrive at Paris airports. Charles de Gaulle (CDG) Airport and Orly International Airport have currency exchange offices operated by Global Exchange. These offices are open year-round and accept debit and credit cards, Visa, and Mastercard. They are typically located in the arrivals and departures halls, near the security checks and baggage reclaim areas. Additionally, CDG Airport has Travelex machines and an HSBC bank office and ATM in Terminal 2.
During Your Stay
When in Paris, you can use your credit or debit card for most purchases, as they are widely accepted. However, it's a good idea to carry some euros in smaller denominations for specific situations. For example, you may need cash for street vendors, flea markets, artists' booths, laundromats, or small bakeries that have minimum purchase amounts for credit cards. ATMs are readily available throughout the city, so you can withdraw cash as needed. Just be mindful of any additional fees or charges associated with international ATM usage.
Currency Exchange Tips
When exchanging currency, it's important to understand the exchange rates and any associated fees. Exchanging money at airports or currency exchange desks can be convenient, but the rates may not be as favourable as those offered by your bank. Using local currency is generally recommended to avoid Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) charges. Additionally, be cautious when offered the option to pay in your home currency, as this can result in unfavourable exchange rates.
By following these tips, you'll be well-prepared for using euros in Paris and can focus on enjoying your time in this beautiful city.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can buy euros at Paris Charles de Gaulle International Airport and Orly International Airport. There are currency exchange offices at both airports that are open all year long.
The opening hours of the currency exchange offices vary depending on their location within the airport. At Charles de Gaulle Airport, the exchange offices are open from 6:00 a.m. to 13:15 p.m., 6:00 a.m. to 15:00 p.m., 6:00 a.m. to 21:15 p.m., or 6:00 a.m. to 22:15 p.m. At Orly International Airport, the exchange office in the Departures Hall is open from 5:00 a.m. to 20:30 p.m., while the one in the Arrivals Hall is open from 5:00 a.m. to 21:00 p.m.
There are several ways to get euros for your trip to Paris. You can exchange your currency at the airport, but be aware that airport exchanges often have higher fees and less favourable rates. You can also get euros before your trip through your bank or a service like Travelex, which offers home delivery. Once you're in Paris, you can withdraw euros from ATMs or use your credit card for purchases, although be cautious of foreign transaction fees.
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