How to pay in France and where to exchange Australian dollars for euros in Australia?

When we prepare for our trips, we always take into account two factors: the method of arrival (flight, road, boat...) and the place where we are going to stay. Without a doubt, these are the two topics that cause us the most headaches, but… Once at the destination, we are filled with doubts such as… how much money am I going to spend? How to pay in France? Will I have fees on my purchases?

To pay in France, you have several convenient and secure options: the most common way is to use credit or debit cards from major networks like Visa, MasterCard, and American Express, which are widely accepted in most shops, especially in cities like Paris.

You also have the option to pay in cash. Paying in cash will give you exact control over the Australian dollars and euros you are spending. To do this, you must exchange Australian dollars for euros beforehand. You have many options for exchanging dollars for euros: exchanging at currency exchange offices, exchanging currency at the airport, or exchanging currency online. We explain which option is best for your trip to France.

Yes, you can pay by card in France, but it is advisable to carry cash. Credit and debit cards are accepted in hotels, large shops, and restaurants in urban areas, but in rural areas, small businesses, and certain traditional establishments, cash remains the preferred method of payment.
Additionally, make sure your card is enabled for international use as your bank will convert the amount of that purchase from euros to Australian dollars, applying the rate that is defined by the institution at that time. Each of your purchases will incur that fee, and it is possible that until your return to Australia, you will not know how many dollars you have spent in France.

Yes, and in fact it is the best option. Cash is widely accepted and is the preferred method of payment in many places, especially in rural areas, small shops, local restaurants, and markets. Although credit and debit cards are increasingly accepted in hotels, department stores, and luxury shops in large cities like Paris or Marseille, it is advisable to carry cash to ensure that you can pay in all the places you visit.

Furthermore, you have to keep in mind that not all foreign cards work in France, and you may encounter issues with some payment terminals.

When you travel to France, there is no limit on the amount of Currency you can bring into the country. However, if you carry cash equivalent to or exceeding 10,000 Australian dollars (or its equivalent in another Currency, such as euros), you must declare it to French customs. This declaration is necessary to comply with regulations aimed at preventing money laundering and other illegal activities. You can declare the cash using a form available at ports and airports.

No, you cannot pay with Australian dollars in France. Transactions in France are conducted in the official currency of the country: the euro (EUR). Although some tourist establishments may accept US dollars, this is not common with Australian dollars. It is advisable to exchange your dollars for euros before travelling or upon arriving at the airport in France. It is necessary to convert Australian dollars to euros before making any purchases. You can do this at banks, exchange offices, at airports, or directly with your card and have the bank make the conversion for each purchase you make (this will incur fees).

• Compare and choose: In Australia, you can compare exchange rates at different banks and exchange houses and choose the most favourable option. In contrast, in France, you might encounter less competitive exchange rates and fewer options to compare.
• Change No commission: Generally, the fees for exchanging Australian dollars to euros in Australia tend to be lower than at exchange points in France, especially at airports and tourist areas where the fees can be very high.
• Initial Expenses: Upon arriving in France, you will need cash for initial expenses such as transport, meals, or small payments in places that do not accept cards. Exchanging Australian dollars to euros in Australia ensures that you have euros available from the very first moment.

The best way to exchange Australian dollars for euros without commission is to do it online. Banks or hotels also usually offer currency exchange services, but their currency stock is always limited to the most common ones; moreover, exchange rates are subject to the bank's margins plus commissions.

Exchanging Australian dollars for euros on Global Exchange's website guarantees you the best exchange rate, with no commissions. Within 24 hours, you can collect your order at the airport before boarding your flight, with no extra airport fees.

Yes. Depending on the airport from which you start your journey, you will have the opportunity to exchange currency at the last minute. Global Exchange has more than 15 offices at Sydney International Airport. The exchange rates will not be as attractive as those obtained from your online currency exchange, but it is always a good resource for last-minute or unexpected trips. Check out the currency exchange offices of Global Exchange around the world.

• Avoid hidden fees: Always check the exchange rates and commissions before making any transaction. Some exchange houses may offer seemingly attractive rates, but charge high commissions.
• Make the currency exchange in advance to avoid rushing and poor exchange rates at the last minute. The option to exchange Australian dollars to EUROS on the Global Exchange website will help you organise yourself. The online currency exchange from Global Exchange has no additional costs or commissions.
• Use rate comparators. There are online tools that allow you to compare the exchange rates offered by different entities. Using these comparators can help you get the best possible deal. However, remember that the online exchange rate from exchange houses is not the same as what you will find in a quick search on search engines. This amount is reserved for large transactions between wholesale entities.