Bank Offices in France
Currency
Introduced throughout Europe in 2002, the Euro (€) is the currency of the European Union. Notes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 €. There are eight Euro coins denominated in 2€, 1€ , 50¢, 20¢, 10¢, 5¢, 2¢, and 1¢ (cents).
Opening Hours
In Paris and in most of northern France banks are usually open from 9am to 4:30pm-5pm, Monday to Friday. Some banks close from 1pm to 3pm, and some are open Saturday mornings. Provincial banks are usually open from 10am to 1pm and from 3pm to 4:30pm, Tuesday to Saturday. Note that the day before a national holiday banks may close earlier than usual.
Exchange
Currency exchange is offered in all banks branches and Post Offices, at the airport and in some hotels, but usually hotels and airports have much higher commissions. You can also find currency exchanges (Bureaux de Change) in large department stores, railway stations, airports and near to tourist sites. Be warned that exchange rates are fixed, but commission rates are flexible and they must be clearly indicated.
Currency converter
The range of exchange facilities are completed by automatic exchange machines, which are mainly located in the city centres.
ATMs bank machines
Most automatic teller machines (ATMs) accept VISA and MasterCard credit cards, and usually offer favourable exchange rates. You may withdraw 100-500€ per day from these machines depending on your card type. If you plan to use your credit card to obtain foreign currency from ATMs, you will need to have a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to confirm your identity, so call your credit card company and request one. Note that some European ATM machines will not accept PINs longer than four digits, so ask for a four-digit PIN.
Credit Cards
The most widely accepted card in France are American Express, Visa, Mastercard/Eurocard, and Diners Club. They are accepted in most stores, hotels, restaurants, and service stations, but there is often a minimum purchase requirement of about 15€. Cash obtained from ATMs is normally at a quite good rate of exchange.
If you lose your card, you must immediately contact your credit card emergency hot-line or the appropriate customer service number to cancel the card to avoid paying fraudulent charges. Remember to record your credit card number and customer service number and store them in a safe place in case of theft or loss.
Eurocard / Mastercard
Tel: +33 (0)1 45.67.84.84
Toll free: 1-800-MC-ASSIST
Visa
Tel: +33 (0)1 42.77.45.45
Toll free: 1-800-VISA-911
Diners Club
Tel: +33 (0)1 47 62 75 75
Toll free: 0810 314 159
Useful Links
MasterCard ATM locator by city or town
Mastercard ATM Locator by Airport
Visa ATM Locator - Find Bank Cash Machines
American Express International
11, rue Scribe - 75009 Paris
Tel: +33 (0)1 47.77.77.07
Tel: +33 (0)1 47.77.72.00 lost or stolen credit cards
Tel: +33 (0)1 05.90.86.00 lost or stolen traveler's checks
Toll free: 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357)
Opening Hours: 9am-5pm Monday to Saturday
Crédit Commercial de France (CCF)
115, avenue des Champs-Élysées - 75008 Paris
Tel: +33 (0)1 40.70.27.22
Tel: +33 (0)1 40.70.77.17
Opening Hours: 8:45am-8pm except Sunday, 10am-6pm Sundays in July, August and September.
Banque Nationale de Paris (BNP)
2, place de l'Opéra - 75002 Paris
Tel: +33 (0)1 44.94.53.99
24-hour Visa automatic teller
Barclays Bank
24bis, avenue de l'Opéra - 75001 Paris
Opening Hours: 9:30am-4pm Monday to Friday
also
6, Rond-Point des Champs-Élysées - 75008 Paris
Métro Champs-Élysées-Clemenceau
Tel: +33 (0)1 44.95.13.80
Citibank
30, avenue des Champs-Élysées - 75008 Paris
Tel: +33 (0)1 40.76.33.00
Opening Hours: 9am-6:45pm Monday to Friday, 10:30am-1:15pm and 2:30pm-6:30pm Saturday
