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Banks and Euros
On January 1st, 2002, twelve of the fifteen European Union members
completed conversion to the Euro, replacing their own national
currencies. These twelve countries comprise the Eurozone,
sometimes called Euroland.
There are eight Euro coins denominated in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents,
and 1 and 2 Euros.
Each coin has a European community face as well as a national face
specific to one of the twelve countries,
so don't be surprised to find Spanish or German versions in your wallet.
All are accepted in Euroland. Here are the French versions:
There are seven Euro notes, identical in all twelve countries.
They are denominated in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 Euros,
each having a different color.
All notes carry advanced security features.
Final designs were announced in December 1996
at the Dublin European Council.
They incorporate symbols of Europe's architectural heritage,
but do not depict any real monuments.
Windows and gateways dominate the front side of each banknote,
symbols of the spirit of openness and cooperation in the EU.
Each reverse side features a bridge from a particular age,
as a metaphor for communication among the people of Europe,
as well as between Europe and the rest of the world.
Banking Hours
Banks in Paris and most of northern France are open 09h to 16h30 or
17h, Monday through Friday.
Provincial banks are usually open 08h to 16h30, Tuesday through Saturday.
Some banks close from 13h to 15h, and some are open Saturday mornings.
Note that banks may close earlier than usual the day before a national holiday.
Here are the
hours for some Paris banks.
Currency Exchange Services
Currency exchange is offered in all
banks
and post offices, and some
hotels. You can also
find exchanges in
department stores,
railway stations,
and
airports.
Be warned that exchange rates are fixed, but commission rates are flexible.
They must be clearly indicated, however.
Banks and
currency exchanges
(Bureaux de Change)
will usually have the lowest commissions.
Hotels and airports usually have higher commissions.
Bank Cards and Credit Cards
Bank and credit cards are accepted in most stores, hotels, restaurants,
and service stations. Widely-honored brands are American Express, Visa,
Mastercard-Eurocard, and Diners Club.
There is often a minimum purchase requirement of 15€. Depending
on the card type, you can withdraw 100-500€ at automatic teller
machines (ATMs) and banks. If you plan to obtain cash from ATMs, call
your credit card company for instructions
before you leave.
Cash obtained from ATMs is normally at a quite good rate of exchange.
The only disadvantage is that your credit card company will normally
consider the transaction a "cash advance", accruing interest from the
date of the transaction.
If you lose your card, you must notify the issuing bank as soon as
possible to avoid paying fraudulent charges. Please call the appropriate
customer service number.
Remember to record your credit card number and customer service number
and store them in a safe place in case of theft or loss.
Traveler's Checks
Whether issued in French Euros or another currency, traveler's checks
can be converted to Euros in
banks,
currency exchanges,
and selected post offices. Although a fee is charged when you purchase
them, their advantage is that you are insured in case of loss or theft.
Eurocheques are similar to traveler's checks. In addition to a booklet
of checks,
you are given a card which can be used to withdraw money at banks and
pay for purchases. You will be required to show identification in order
to cash checks in a bank.
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Banks and Euros
