21 Jan 2025
France is one of the most visited countries in Europe. It attracts tourists to natural landscapes and has a historical and cultural heritage that dates back thousands of years. France pulls in millions of foreign travelers annually as a country of art, fashion, exquisite foods, wines, and architecture. Whether you're traveling to Paris for the Eiffel Tower, enjoying the Mediterranean coast in Nice, or exploring the vineyards of Bordeaux, one common question for travelers is: What is the country's official currency?
The official medium of exchange circulates in France is the Euro (€). The Euro is the second most traded currency in the world, the only one in front of it being the US dollar. It’s the official medium of exchange in 19 out of the 27 nation members of the European Union (EU) that constitute the Eurozone. All these countries, for instance, France, have adopted the Euro as their official means of exchange on the grounds of economic harmonization and stability in the EU.
The Euro became France's official currency on January 1, 2002, when the FRF, its predecessor, was abandoned in the 14th century. The Euro changeover is France's most significant advancement because it means dedication to European cooperation and the financial world.
The standard French currency used before the Euro was the French Franc. Although established in the 14th century, the Franc originated when King John II of France first commissioned its minting. Throughout history, the Franc lost its value many times, was renamed, and altered its appearance many times. Finally, the Franc became a more refined currency recognized in France and its possessions in the twentieth century.
However, in the last decade of the twentieth century, the European Union started on a mission to develop a single currency for its nations. Well, the purpose was to remove restrictions on currency exchange that exist in the EU to integrate the economy of the area than before. In 1999, the Euro was officially used as electronic currency in the banking and financial sectors, while physical banknotes and credit Euro coins were circulated in 2002 in the 12-membered zone that also embraced France.
Implementing the money in France and other member countries was not a singular act of pragmatism; it was also political. The currency symbolized the joint work of European countries for the economic and monetary union and consolidation of cooperation between States. The Euro was considered the next stage for EU integration. Its acceptance made the French money and its counterparts more financially secure and a trading environment more convenient, including efficient travel within the Euro area.
The use of the Euro displaced the physical exchange of currencies within the Eurozone, meaning that tourists and business people no longer need to physically exchange money for their respective countries when traveling between different Eurozone member countries. Another benefit of the unified currency system was a rise in price transparency, which can be regarded as one of the most valuable benefits since it made the consumer compare prices across borders.
The Euro is available in notes and coins, and all countries that use the European currency use the same banknotes and coins. The banknotes are €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, and €500; the coins are €0,01, €0,02, €0,05, €0,10, €0,20, €0,50, €1, and €2.
The Euro banknotes are intended to reflect European culture, and each note has the architecture of various periods of European history. The doors and windows at the fronts of the banknotes and the bridges at the back of the banknote symbolize cooperation between European nations.
The money called the Euro is divided into two: the cent coins and the Euro coins. The cent coins are € 0,01, € 0,02, € 0,05, € 0,10, € 0,20 and € 0,50. The Euro coins are 1 Europa cent and 2 Europa cents or 1 € and 2 €, respectively. The obverse side of the coins is a typical European design, while the reverse side tends to have a national design peculiar to the country that issued the particular coin. In French currencies, the Euro minted the coin; the obverse is usually a portrait of Mariann,e which symbolizes the French Republic.
When traveling to France, there are also several opportunities to get Euros. The most common methods include:
Back home, people often use their native currencies but must use foreign currency, especially Euros, at an exchange bureau or a bank before they embark on France. These services are available at airports, stations, and many towns and cities worldwide. However, it should be noted that currency exchange offices work more and can sometimes be expensive or have less convenient exchange rates than other places.
ATMs represent most banking facilities in France, and although cashier administrators do not guard them, they allow people to cash Euros quickly and without stress. Using most international bank cards in France to withdraw money at an ATM is possible, though the transaction may attract foreign charges. Before starting your trip, you should contact your bank to know whether the card will be allowed and what other fees will be incurred.
France rewards nearly all foreign credit and debit cards as most businesses accept them, and the same applies to France’s major cities and tourist destinations. Most traveler cheques and major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, and American Express, are accepted; however, cash is primarily accepted in smaller companies and rural areas. One should always carry money, like a few coins, just in case such events happen. Most credit and debit card transactions are affected in Euros.
The majority of the international airports in France have money-changing bureaus. Some places people can exchange money include hotels and tourist offices, but they have relatively uncompetitive rates compared to banks or ATMs. Value and commissions may differ. Therefore, searching for a better option before exchanging currency is preferable.
Credit and debit cards are nearly as popular in France as in the United States. However, cash is helpful with most minor purchases, especially in rural areas or small businesses. It is always advisable to ensure one has a little cash that cannot be used to purchase goods when the card is declined.
Regarding tipping, France seems to be quite different from the States, for example. Do note that tipping is not a French custom, and in most French restaurants, a service charge of about 15% is added to your bill. So, it is not compulsory to tip, but rounding the check-up or giving change is always accepted. Tipping in cafes and bars differs occasionally, although granting a few extra coins for good services is not taboo.
There is something that must be noted concerning the currencies of France, including the fact that the country possesses overseas territories in which other forms of currency may be accepted. However, most of these territories use the euro as the official means of exchange with one of the members of the ECB. Here are a few examples of French territories and their currencies:
Exchange rates should also be monitored for anyone interested in exchanging money for Euros when visiting France. Currencies vary from time to time, and small changes in your local currency will make a massive difference in the currency used in France. Most travelers use a live currency exchange rate or even the internet to make some comparisons before changing money.
Thus, the European currency, the Euro (€), serves as the official currency in France. The change of the national currency, the Euro, in 2002 deprived France of its former national currency, the French Franc, and put it in a firmer line with the larger projects of Europeanisation of economy and politics. The Euro is recognized in almost all areas of France and used in trade, organizing the tourist industry, and in the everyday activities of French people and guests. Acquiring Euros is simple for the engage, and utilizing them for minor and significant transactions is relatively simple.
No currency in France before the Euro used the French Franc ₣. France integrated to the Euro in 2002 together with other countries of Europe.
The Euro is the generally accepted currency in the Euro area, but some establishments, particularly hotels and restaurants, may accept other world currencies, such as US Dollars or pounds Sterling.
Of course, credit cards are recognized in France and are accepted in large quantities in big cities and areas of interest. As for payments, most services accept credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, American Express, etc.
This is especially useful for purchases such as coffee, pastry, or a ticket to ride on public transport.
Check the exchange rates before traveling and when to exchange currency to find the best rate.
Yes, your home bank and the ATM operator will charge you when you withdraw Euros from ATMs in France.
