Euro-dollar exchange fees in France: what to expect?
Discover the hidden fees of euro-dollar conversion and learn how to avoid them. Explore banks, currency exchange offices, and cost-effective solutions.
Where to buy US dollars in France at the best rate and save on your currency conversions!
If you need to buy US dollars in France, you might think the easiest solution is to visit a currency exchange office or your bank. While it sounds simple, the exchange rate offered is often poor, and the fees can quickly add up.
In most cases, it’s cheaper to use your card to withdraw cash once you arrive abroad. However, even then, banks often apply unfavorable exchange rates.
So, how can you access a fair exchange rate and a flexible, low-cost payment method?
Consider the Wise multi-currency account. With the Wise Visa card, you can withdraw cash in foreign currencies almost anywhere in the world — always at the mid-market exchange rate.
How to buy US dollars in France: choosing the best method
Understanding the cost of exchanging euros for US dollars
Before buying dollars, it’s important to check the daily exchange rate. For example, you can visit Wise to see a live conversion. Wise always applies the mid-market exchange rate for EUR/USD conversions.
The mid-market rate is the real exchange rate you see on financial markets — the rate that banks use to trade currencies with one another.
Most banks and currency exchange offices don’t offer this rate. They add a markup to make a profit, meaning you’ll receive fewer dollars for your euros.
If a currency exchange office refuses to show you the rate before your transaction, it’s best to walk away.
Questions to ask before exchanging money
Before exchanging euros for dollars, consider these key points:
1. Proposed rate
How different is it from the mid-market exchange rate used by providers like Wise?
If the difference exceeds 10%, you’re likely overpaying.
2. Daily rate transparency
Can you see the current exchange rate before buying dollars?
If the rate is off by more than 0.1 compared to the official EUR/USD rate, look for another provider.
3. Exchange commission
Is the commission clearly stated?
If fees exceed 2% of the amount exchanged, it’s not a good deal.
4. “Zero commission” offers
Be careful with offers that claim “no commission.”
These usually hide fees in an inflated exchange rate. For large amounts, it’s often cheaper to pay a small fixed fee and get a better rate.
5. Security
If you exchange money online, make sure the site is secure and well-reviewed.
If you exchange in person, choose an office in a well-trafficked area for safety.
6. Availability
Exchange offices can provide cash instantly, but if you order dollars from your bank, it may take one to ten days before they’re ready.
Where can you buy US dollars in France?
1. Currency exchange offices
Exchange bureaus are the most direct way to obtain dollars.
They’re common in city centers, train stations, and airports — but rates at tourist locations are often the least competitive.
2. At La Banque Postale
Since 2017, La Poste has stopped selling foreign currency directly.
However, La Banque Postale still offers international bank cards that let you pay and withdraw money abroad.¹
3. Through your bank
Ordering dollars from your bank is another option — secure, but expensive.
Like exchange offices, banks add a markup to the rate and may also charge handling fees.
You’ll usually wait over a week before collecting your cash at the counter.
4. Withdrawals abroad
A smart alternative is to withdraw dollars directly in the United States using your card.
This helps you avoid traveling with large sums of cash.
Before traveling, check your bank’s foreign withdrawal fees — both fixed and variable parts.
To minimize costs, withdraw larger amounts less often.
Some ATMs charge additional local fees, and you may be offered the option to withdraw in euros instead of dollars.
Always choose to withdraw in dollars, as selecting euros triggers a costly conversion at a poor rate.
How to buy US dollars at the best rate with Wise
With its debit card and multi-currency account, Wise offers one of the most competitive ways to buy and spend in USD.
Wise always applies the mid-market exchange rate, helping you avoid the inflated rates used by banks and exchange bureaus.
With Wise:
- The first two withdrawals are free up to €200 per month.
- After that, fees are just 1.75% + €0.50 per withdrawal.
- If you already hold dollars in your Wise account, you can pay with your card without any extra charges.
- Back in France, you can still use your card for everyday payments and receive euro transfers for free.
If you still have dollars left after your trip, you can convert them back to euros at the mid-market exchange rate, paying only a fair, transparent commission.
With Wise, you get all the advantages of a traditional bank — but with fair pricing and no hidden fees.
Source:
Last verified on October 10, 2025
This article is a translation of the original article published in French and was translated within 365 days of publication. While the content has been translated for accessibility, the data and sources referenced have not been updated since the original publication date.
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
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