Are you planning a trip to the land of baguettes, berets, and the Eiffel Tower? If so, you might be wondering if you can use your trusty Australian debit or credit card in France. After all, whether you’re strolling along the Seine or savouring croissants in a quant Parisian cafe, having access to your funds is essential.
At Crown Currency Exchange, we know that you want to spend more time enjoying your French adventure and less time worrying about money. That’s why we’ve put together this ultimate guide to using your Australian debit cards and credit cards in France. We’ll take a look at fees and charges, explain the differences you’ll find at French ATMs, and give you our top tips for withdrawing cash abroad as safely as possible.
We get it - emergencies happen, and there may come a time when you find yourself with no option but to use an ATM when you’re in France. In this instance, there are some important tips you should follow to keep both yourself and your finances safe.
One of the most important things you can do when using an ATM in France is to remain vigilant throughout. Crowded areas and tourist hotspots can be prime targets for opportunistic thieves, so keep an eye out for any suspicious behaviour surrounding the ATM before you approach it.
Likewise, avoid using ATMs in isolated locations. While these may seem safer through the lack of surrounding people, they are often a higher risk as there is less security around them. Instead, choose an ATM inside a bank or a shopping mall, where security guards are more likely to be present and potential thieves will be less likely.
Assuming you’re confident with the location of your chosen ATM, the next thing you need to do is inspect it. Do this before you insert your card, looking for suspicious devices attached to the card reader slot or any signs of tampering on the machine.
If you’re satisfied that the ATM is safe to use, insert your card as you normally would. When prompted to enter your PIN, make sure you shield the keypad with your free hand, or if it’s a touchscreen entry, position your body to hide the screen from view. This will stop anyone from being able to record you as you enter your secret digits.
Once you’ve completed your transaction, discreetly place your cash inside your wallet. Do this before you leave the ATM area and avoid counting or flashing the money in public, as this can attract unwanted attention and increase the risk of theft.
In the days following your cash withdrawal, keep a close eye on your accounts, looking for any suspicious activity or unauthorised transactions. If you do notice anything, contact your bank or your credit card company straight away so they can investigate further.
Every holiday requires careful planning to keep things as fun and safe as possible. Now that we’ve covered the ins and outs of accessing your cash in France, let’s take a look at some top planning tips.
The first thing you need to do is check if there are any visa requirements that may stop you from visiting France. At present, Australian citizens do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days in France, but you must make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months before your departure date.
Once you’re certain your passport has the right validity, establish a realistic budget that includes the cost of your flights, accommodation, meals, attractions, and shopping. Take the time, also, to research the average prices in the regions you’ll be visiting and allocate funds accordingly, not forgetting to factor in a contingency fund for unexpected expenses.
While English is widely spoken in major French cities, learning a few basic French phrases can go a long way in enhancing your experience. Master simple greetings like “Bonjour”, which means “Hello”, and “Merci”, which means “Thank You”, as well as some phrases for asking for directions, ordering food, and making purchases. Investing in a phrase book is a great way of doing this, and your attempt at speaking the country’s native language will be appreciated.
Nobody likes to think of bad things happening while they’re on holiday, but life is unpredictable and you can never be too careful when it comes to protecting yourself. Travel insurance is an excellent way of providing peace of mind and navigating any unforeseen circumstances, such as medical emergencies or cancelled trips, with ease. Also, it’s a very good idea to have the details of the Australian Embassy in France saved, should you find yourself in a difficult position that your travel insurance policy cannot help with.
There you have it - everything you need to know about using ATMs in France, along with some handy planning tips! The main takeaway here is that while you can use your Australian debit and credit cards for cash withdrawals, it’s always best to take cash with you instead, as this will save you money and allow you to shop and visit anywhere you want.
Head to Crown Currency Exchange, where you’ll find great rates on AUD to EUR with zero commission fees and no hidden costs. Pop along to one of our many locations today, and our friendly team of money exchange experts will help you get your French adventure started!