How to effectively
organise your money, banking and budget. To guard against theft, loss of money
or other circumstances travellers should
ideally have several sources of money in
France, for example they may choose to carry
Euro money and foreign currency that can be
changed, plus have a credit card, an ATM card
and travellers cheques. Cards and cash should
be stored in lockers, safety deposit boxes or
secured on your person wherever possible. Keep
a copy of your travellers cheque numbers
separate from the cheques and also leave a
copy with a reliable person at home.
CREDIT CARDS
Most major credit cards can be used throughout
France for purchases including accomodation,
airtickets, and purchases in large shops. In
smaller towns the restaurants and shops may
prefer you to pay in cash. It is probably a
good idea to have several money resources.
Visa (Carte Bleue) is most commonly accepted
over Mastercard (Eurocard). Banks and ATMS
will give cash advances for Visa cards
throughout France. American express cards are
usually only useful at American Express
offices.
Here are some handy numbers in Paris to call
if you have problems with your cards:
Banque de France, 31 Rue Croix des Petits
Champs) 1er, metro Palais Royal-Musèe du
Louvre). Open weekdays 9.30am to 12.30pm and
1.30 to 4pm. Tel. 01 4292 2227
American Express, 11 Rue Scribe (metro Auber
or Opèra), tel. 01 4777 7707
