If you’re going to France soon, you’re probably working out a travel budget and figuring out how much you want to spend. However, your own financial habits aren’t the only thing you should take into consideration. It’s important to learn about the difference in spending habits between the French and UK citizens.
Credit and debit cards are the most popular form of payment in France, but a decent percentage of people still use cash. Although you’ll be able to go cashless in most big cities, having some cash on you might come in handy in certain situations. We’ll go into more detail to help answer the question - which is more convenient, cash or card in France?
We’ll also show you a cost-effective way to handle your finances in France. For all international payments, whether online or in person, you can rely on the Wise card. You can even withdraw euros like a local for low fees at a mid-market exchange rate.
Learn more about the Wise card 💳
How cash-centric is France?¹
Cash isn’t the primary payment method in France since it makes up around 10% of all transactions. However, its popularity hasn’t really changed in either direction in the past years.
Debit cards are the number one form of paying at over 40%, while credit cards closely follow at around 30%. Digital wallets make up around 10% of payments, but predictions say that they will be used more in the future.
Cash etiquette in France²
In general, tips are not expected in French cafes and restaurants. A 15% service charge is usually already included in the prices, which will be indicated either on the bill or on the menu. However, waiters will certainly appreciate it if you round up the bill or leave them some cash.
It’s not uncommon to tip taxi drivers, hotel staff or tour guides. You could give them a few euros or as much as you deem appropriate.
Want to work out exactly how much you should tip in euros? Use our exchange rate currency converter.
Cash or card in France - the comparison
We’ve listed some common situations where you’ll be paying for things in France. Here’s whether you’ll be able to pay by card, in cash or both:
| Paying for… | Card | Cash |
|---|---|---|
| Taxis³ | Yes | Yes |
| Convenience stores | Yes | Yes |
| Museums | Yes | Yes |
| Cafes and restaurants | Yes | Yes |
| Public transport⁴ | In larger cities, yes | Yes |
| Seine river cruise⁵ | Yes | Yes |
| Eiffel tower tickets⁶ | Yes | Yes |
Using your card in France at an ATM⁷
It’s usually not hard to find an ATM in France, except if you’re visiting rural areas. There’s plenty of them in busy streets, at train stations or near tourist attractions. Try to avoid non-bank ATMs since they can charge higher fees.
When it comes to withdrawal limits, know that they depend on the bank, but you can expect them to be from €300 to €1,000 per day. ATMs located in convenience stores can sometimes have lower limits than others.
You can use your international card at French ATMs, but some fees will likely apply.
Will my UK debit card work in France?⁸
Yes, you can use UK-issued debit cards in France, both for paying and withdrawing cash. However, you’ll probably be charged extra fees for foreign transactions.
Can I use my UK credit card in France?⁸
Any place that takes cards will likely accept your UK credit card. If you can, bring either a Visa or a Mastercard, since these are the most common networks.
Reasons to use cash in France
Although cards are accepted virtually anywhere in France, there will still be situations where you won’t be able to use them. For example, you’ll need cash for flea markets and souvenir shopping.
Also, one of the top reasons for carrying cash is tipping. Each time you leave a cash tip, you’re making sure that the specific person that served you actually receives it. You can leave tips in restaurants, taxis, hotels or when you’re on a guided tour.
Reasons to use credit or debit cards in France
Cards are much safer than walking around with a lot of money in your bag. They’re the top payment method in France, so it’s easy to find a business or a merchant that accepts them.
Are contactless card payments common in France?⁹
Since paying by cards is the primary method of payment in France, contactless payments are very common. You’ll be able to tap and pay in public transport, restaurants and stores.
The contactless limit in France is €50, after which you’ll have to provide your PIN.
Your Wise card can also be used for contactless payments in France. If you don’t want to carry cards with you, you can get the Wise virtual card with the same features.
Other payment methods in France
Besides using cash or cards in France, other payment methods are also available.
Mobile payments¹⁰
Mobile payments are becoming popular in France, particularly because they’re convenient and easy to use. The French use well known mobile payment options such as Apple Pay, Google Pay or PayPal.
There are also local digital wallets and apps, such as Paylib, Lyf and Lydia. Paylib is the most popular among them, since it has cards supported by Carte Bancaire.
For an additional layer of security, you could add your Wise virtual card to your e-wallet. It has all the benefits of a regular Wise card, but it exists in your phone only. You can freeze your Wise virtual card after every transaction, so top-notch security is guaranteed.
Buy now pay later options (BNPL)
BNPL options can come in handy for splitting purchases into instalments. People in France use this payment method mainly for shopping online. International companies like Klarna are popular with the French, as well as local options such as Alma and FLOA.¹⁰
FLOA is a subsidiary of the BNP Paribas Group. It lets you split your purchases into 3 or 4 monthly instalments.¹¹
Alma offers similar options. You can choose to pay in 2, 3 or 4 instalments for smaller purchases and in up to 12 if they’re bigger.¹²
What is the best way to pay in France: cash or card?
If you plan on visiting some of France’s larger cities, such as Paris or Cannes, you’ll probably be able to use your card for everything. Cashless payments are also much more convenient, since some French cities are notorious for their number of pickpockets.
However, it’s always good to have at least some cash on you. Even if you pay for everything with your card, you can use it for tips.
Spend like a local in France with Wise
Want to spend like a local in France, without worrying about exchange rates and hidden fees? The Wise card, from the money services provider Wise, might be just the thing for you.
The Wise card can be used for all international payments. It automatically converts the currency at the mid-market exchange rate with only a small, transparent currency conversion fee.
You can also use it to easily withdraw cash from the ATMs in France. You can make 2 withdrawals of up to 200 GBP each month for free per account. After that, there is a charge of 0.5 GBP per withdrawal. There’s also a 1.75% fee on any amount you withdraw above 200 GBP.
Spend like a local with Wise 💳
Cash or card in France - FAQs
To summarise, here are some of the most frequent questions about using cash or cards in France.
Should you carry cash in France?
Although the French prefer cards, cash is still used on a daily basis. Make sure you have at least some euros on you.
Should I get euros before I go to France?
You don’t need to buy euros in the UK. You could exchange pounds in France or have Wise do it for you automatically.
Can I use my contactless debit card in France?
Yes! Debit cards are in fact the most popular form of payment in France.
How do I withdraw money from an ATM in France?
French ATMs take international cards, so withdrawing won’t be an issue. Just make sure you use official bank ATMs in order to avoid high fees.
Sources used:
Sources last checked on date: 31-May-2024
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information. This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional. We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
