Money and duty free for France
Currency and Money
Currency information
Euro (EUR; symbol €) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of €2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.
Credit cards
American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, and Visa are widely accepted across the country. If you are eating at a restaurant, check prior to the meal that your card will be an acceptable form of payment. Even in cities, it is advisable to carry some cash with you.
ATM
ATMs compatible with international banking networks are in all towns and cities, as well as airports, major train stations and other spots.
Travellers cheques
Travellers cheques are not widely used now, but they are accepted in France.
Banking hours
Standard banking hours in France are Mon-Fri 0830-1700 hours. Some banks extend their hours one day a week and some branches also open on Sat between 0900-1300 hours.
In Monaco, banks are normally open Mon-Fri 0900-1200 and 1400-1700 hours.
Currency restrictions
There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency. However, amounts exceeding €10,000 or equivalent must be declared if travelling from or to a country outside the European Union.
Currency exchange
Currency exchange can be made in most banks and post offices as well as in some large stores, train stations, airports, and exchange offices near major tourist sites. Shops and hotels are prohibited by law from accepting foreign currency. Travellers should check with their banks for details and current rates.
France duty free
Overview
France is within the European Union. If you are travelling from outside of the EU, you are entitled to buy fragrance, skincare, cosmetics, Champagne, wine, selected spirits, fashion accessories, gifts and souvenirs - all at tax-free equivalent prices.
France's duty-free allowance for travellers from EU countries:
If you are over 17 years old, you are free to buy and take goods with you when travelling between EU countries, provided that you have paid tax on these goods and they are for your own use (not for sale). However, if you bring in more than the following, customs officials are likely to question you:
• 200 cigarettes (1 carton) or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco.
• 90L of still wine of which a maximum of 60L can be sparkling wine.
• 110L of beer.
• 10L of alcoholic beverages stronger than 22% or 20L of fortified or sparkling wine or other liqueurs up to 22%.
Beware that each EU country has different rules for travellers under 17 years old. Please check before you travel.
France's duty-free allowance for travellers from non-EU countries:
If you are arriving from a non-EU country, the following goods may be imported into France by travellers with a minimum age of 17 years without incurring customs duty:
• 200 cigarettes (1 carton) or 100 cigarillos (max. 3 grams each) or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco. You may combine any of these products provided that you do not exceed the total limit.
• 4L of wine and 16L of beer and 1L of spirits over 22% volume or 2L of alcoholic beverages less than 22% volume. You may combine any of these products provided that you do not exceed the total limit.
• Travellers arriving by car must not exceed the petrol allowance of one full tank and an additional 10 litres in a portable container.
• Other goods up to the value of €430 for air and sea travellers and €300 for other travellers (reduced to €175 for children under 15).
*Special rules apply for tobacco products imported from Andorra.
Banned Imports
Items which are either prohibited or require a licence include weapons and ammunition, drugs (other than those prescribed for personal use), live animals, plant products, cultural artefacts and endangered species.
You also cannot bring meat, fish or dairy products from outside the EU to France.
Banned Exports
Gold/ jewellery must be declared except personal jewellery not exceeding a total weight of 500g.
