France uses the euro. Cards are accepted in many shops, hotels and restaurants, and US dollars are not accepted in most places. Restaurants usually include a service charge, so tipping is a small extra. Plugs are type E at 220 volts.
At a glance
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Restaurant service
Usually included (service compris), about 15 percent
Extra tip
2 to 3 percent if the service was good
Taxi tip
10 to 15 percent of the fare
Electricity
220 V, 50 Hz, type E plug
Packing checklist
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Documents
Clothes and footwear
Personal and health needs
Electronics
Money
Money and forex (EUR)
Rules checked 22 Oct 2026
The French currency is the euro, divided into 100 cents. France.fr lists bills of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros and coins from 1 cent to 2 euros.
Cash and cards
France.fr says credit cards are accepted in a large number of shops, hotels and restaurants, though shopkeepers often state a minimum charge. US dollars are not accepted in most establishments.
ATMs and fees
France.fr says ATMs often have the best exchange rates, and virtually all take Mastercard and Visa. It says withdrawing from a credit card counts as a cash advance, so check with your bank. Check fees and limits with your own bank before you travel. The France.fr money page is dated 2023.
Backup plan
Carry a second card and a little cash in euros.
Trips to France
We have no open trip to France right now. Tell us your dates and we will help you find one.
France.fr says almost all restaurants include tax and a 15 percent service charge. Another 2 to 3 percent is customary for particularly good service. The page is dated 2023.
Which plug do I need?
France.fr says type E plugs at 220 volts and 50 Hz. You might need an adapter.
