Money Matters

Money Exchange

Usually the most expensive place to exchange currency is at the airport or train station or those special tourist booths, though more convenient. The cheapest way to get currency is with an ATM card. However, they do come with transaction fees. Minimize these by making fewer and larger withdrawals. Use your debit card exclusively for ATM withdrawals and your credit card for purchases. Ask your credit-card company about fees for overseas transactions.

Your Credit and Other Bank Cards Abroad
Before your departure, it is very important you inform your banks of your travel plans to ensure that your bank, ATM, credit and debit cards will work and continue to work while you are abroad. The banks have automated security measures in place that flag transactions outside your normal spending patterns. Currency converter is available on this site www.xe.com

Finally, photocopy all of your cards (front and back). Ask your bank for a phone number you can call collect from outside the US in case you have a problem (800 numbers generally do not work outside the US, so ask for one with a "real" area code).

Currency

The euro is the legal tender in Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain. The symbol for the euro is €. It is used also in Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City, as well as in the Azores, the Canaries, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Madeira, Martinique, Mayotte, Réunion, and Saint Pierre and Miquelon, which are all part of EU countries using the euro.

The euro notes are identical in all countries but each country produces its own coins with one common side and one side displaying a distinctive national emblem. Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City also have their own euro coins. All the notes and coins can be used anywhere in the euro area.

Denmark, Sweden and the United Kingdom are not currently participating in the single currency. The new member states are committed to economic and monetary union but none are ready to join the euro. Some retail outlets in countries outside the euro area do accept payment in euro as well as the national currency, but they are not legally obliged to do so.

Pickpocket Warning!

In Paris, and other locations frequented by tourist, pickpockets are common. Be careful on all public transportation and in crowds. Watch for distraction tactics such as dropped coins, "accidental" spills, overly friendly children, or locals asking you for directions! Thieves thrive on fresh-off-the-plane tourists. Keep your hands on your bags, sling your day bag across the front and wear invisible money belt!