Data Notice: Figures, rates, and statistics cited in this article are based on the most recent available data at time of writing and may reflect projections or prior-year figures. Always verify current numbers with official sources before making financial, medical, or educational decisions.

Currency Converter: EUR to USD/GBP/CAD

France uses the euro (EUR, symbol: €), shared with 19 other European Union countries. Whether you are budgeting from the US, UK, Canada, or Australia, understanding the exchange rate and how money works in France will help you avoid surprises and get the best value.

Key Takeaways

• France uses the euro (€). Coins: 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, €1, €2. Notes: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, €500 (rarely seen).
• Card payments (chip-and-PIN, contactless) are accepted almost everywhere, including small shops and markets.
• ATMs are the best way to get euros — use your bank’s partner ATMs to avoid fees.
• Avoid airport currency exchange counters — the rates are consistently poor.
• Tipping is included in restaurant bills (service compris) — no need to tip 15–20% as in the US.

Approximate Exchange Rates (March 2026)

Rates fluctuate daily. Check a live converter (XE.com, Google) before your trip.

Amount (EUR)	USD (~)	GBP (~)	CAD (~)	AUD (~)
€1	$1.08	£0.86	CA$1.48	AU$1.65
€5	$5.40	£4.30	CA$7.40	AU$8.25
€10	$10.80	£8.60	CA$14.80	AU$16.50
€20	$21.60	£17.20	CA$29.60	AU$33.00
€50	$54.00	£43.00	CA$74.00	AU$82.50
€100	$108.00	£86.00	CA$148.00	AU$165.00
€500	$540.00	£430.00	CA$740.00	AU$825.00

These are indicative mid-market rates. Actual exchange rates from banks and currency exchanges will include a margin.

Common France Costs in Euros

Item	Typical Price
Espresso (café)	€1.50–2.50
Croissant	€1.10–1.50
Baguette	€1.10–1.30
Bistro lunch (formule)	€12–20
Restaurant dinner (per person)	€25–50
Glass of wine (bistro)	€4–8
Bottle of wine (supermarket)	€4–15
Metro ticket (Paris)	€2.15
Museum entry	€10–22
Budget hotel (per night)	€50–90
Mid-range hotel (per night)	€100–200

For a detailed budget breakdown, see France Trip Budget Calculator.

Best Ways to Get Euros

1. ATMs (Distributeurs Automatiques de Billets)

The best option for most travelers. Use ATMs at banks (BNP Paribas, Société Générale, Crédit Agricole, La Banque Postale) rather than independent ATMs, which may charge higher fees. Withdraw larger amounts less frequently to minimize per-transaction fees.

Tips:

• Notify your bank before traveling to avoid blocked transactions.
• When the ATM asks “charge in your home currency?” always select “charge in euros” — the ATM’s conversion rate is always worse (this is called Dynamic Currency Conversion).
• Check your bank’s foreign transaction fees. Some banks (Charles Schwab, Wise, Revolut) charge no foreign ATM fees.

2. Travel-Friendly Cards

• Wise (formerly TransferWire): Multi-currency debit card with mid-market exchange rates and low fees. Excellent for travel.
• Revolut: Similar to Wise, with free foreign exchange up to a monthly limit.
• Charles Schwab Debit Card (US): No foreign transaction fees and refunds all ATM fees worldwide.
• Monzo / Starling (UK): No foreign transaction fees. Use abroad exactly as at home.

3. Currency Exchange

If you prefer cash:

• Best: Exchange at your home bank before departure (order euros in advance).
• Acceptable: Currency exchange offices in French city centers (compare rates — Travelex and independent bureaux vary).
• Avoid: Airport exchange counters (worst rates) and hotel currency exchange.

4. Credit Cards

Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere. American Express is less widely accepted, particularly at smaller establishments. Always pay in euros when given the option.

Paying in France

Cards

• Chip-and-PIN: Standard in France. Swipe-only cards may be rejected at automated machines (toll booths, fuel pumps, ticket machines).
• Contactless (Sans Contact): Widely accepted for purchases under €50. Tap your card or phone.
• Apple Pay / Google Pay: Accepted at most retailers and restaurants.

Cash

• Still useful for markets, small bakeries, and tipping.
• €50 notes are the largest commonly used. €100 and above may be refused at small businesses.
• Coins are handy for bakeries, public toilets, parking meters, and tipping.

Tipping in France

Service is included in all restaurant bills (service compris by law). You are not expected to tip. However:

• Rounding up or leaving small coins (€1–3) is a polite gesture for good service.
• In bars: rounding up to the nearest euro is common.
• For taxi drivers: rounding up is appreciated.
• For hotel housekeeping: €1–2/day is generous.
• Never tip 15–20% as in the US — it would be seen as eccentric.

Budgeting Tips

1. Use a travel card (Wise, Revolut) for the best exchange rates: You get the mid-market rate with minimal fees.
2. Always choose to be charged in euros: Decline Dynamic Currency Conversion at ATMs and card terminals.
3. Track spending in euros: Mentally converting to your home currency creates confusion. Think in euros from day one.
4. Carry a small amount of cash: €50–100 as backup for markets and small purchases.
5. Budget for tips-included pricing: French prices already include service and tax — what you see is what you pay.

Next Steps

1. Check current rates: Visit XE.com or Google “EUR to [your currency]” for live rates.
2. Get a travel-friendly card: Sign up for Wise, Revolut, or similar before your trip.
3. Notify your bank: Prevent your card from being blocked for “suspicious” foreign transactions.
4. Budget your trip: France Trip Budget Calculator for detailed daily estimates.
5. Understand costs: Review our city guides for specific price expectations in your destination.

Money in France is straightforward once you have the right tools. Pay in euros, use a smart card, avoid airport exchanges, and enjoy spending your money on what France does best — food, wine, culture, and experiences.

Travel information may change. Verify visa requirements, costs, and availability directly with official sources.