Essentials > Money Matters > Currency
The Euro
On January 1, 2002 the Euro became the official currency of France and 11 other EU countries (and the Principality of Monaco). Learn more than you ever wanted to know about the Euro here, and see the pretty pictures of the Euros here.
What if I have French Francs?
Although many shops still display prices in Francs (and you'll see both Francs and Euros on your receipts), they are no longer accepted as legal currency. You can exchange notes at the Banque de France branch until February 17, 2012. If you have coins, consider them souvenirs!
Exchanging Money
It's a good idea to buy at least €100 from you home bank so that you arrive with enough money to get you to your hotel (you really don't want to deal with out-of-order cash distributors or expensive exchange commissions when you arrive jet-lagged at the airport).
Banks and exchange booths (bureaux de change) that state "no commissions" have better rates than airports, hotels, department stores or train stations. You can find exchange booths in every touristy area such as:
- Place St-Michel, 5th
- Carrefour de l'Odéon, 6th
- Avenue des Champs Elysées, 8th
- American Express behind the Opéra, 9th
- Around M° Grands Boulevards, 2nd/9th
- At 162 Rue de Rivoli, 1st, M° Louvre-Rivoli
Find the official exchange rates here.
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