Currency exchange offices in Paris: how to get the best rate?

If you live in France or are visiting Paris, changing money is rarely as simple — or as cheap — as it seems. Between offices promising “zero commission” and exchange rates that vary from one street to another, it’s easy to end up losing money without realising it.

Whether you’re a tourist looking for euros or an expat in France preparing to travel abroad, the question remains: how can you get the best possible rate?

We’ll also look at a more transparent and economical alternative for exchanging money and paying abroad: the Wise card.

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What to know before exchanging money at a currency exchange office in Paris

Before heading to the first currency exchange office you find, it’s worth understanding how exchange rates really work — and what “no commission” actually means.

The “zero commission” that hides a higher margin

Many currency exchange offices in Paris advertise “no commission,” which sounds appealing. However, most of them make up for it by adjusting the exchange rate in their favour.

The result? You receive less money than expected, even if no visible fee appears on your receipt.

The interbank rate isn’t the public rate

The rate you see on Google or in a finance app — known as the interbank or mid-market rate — is the rate banks use when exchanging currencies with one another.

Consumers never get this rate directly: currency exchange offices always apply a margin to cover their costs.

But with Wise, your conversions are made at the mid-market exchange rate, without hidden mark-ups.

Beware of misleading rates and hidden conditions

An attractive rate displayed in the window may only apply if you exchange a large amount of money. For smaller sums, the rate often becomes much less favourable.

The smart move: always ask how much you’ll receive in total before handing over your cash.

Rates fluctuate constantly

Exchange rates change throughout the day. A good rate in the morning might not be as competitive by the afternoon.

Before exchanging your money, compare at least two or three offices — a few minutes of research can save you quite a bit.

How to optimise your currency exchange in Paris

Compare rates before you go

Before heading out, check rates online or by phone. Even if you’re exchanging €200 or €500, the difference between two exchange offices can mean €20–€30 saved.

Avoid overly touristy areas

Currency exchange offices near landmarks or busy shopping streets usually offer less competitive rates.

Try smaller offices in less crowded neighbourhoods — they often rely on repeat local customers and have fairer margins.

Make sure the rate displayed applies to your transaction

Exchange offices usually display two rates:

• the buying rate (when you sell your foreign currency for euros), and
• the selling rate (when you buy foreign currency to travel).

If you’re preparing to go abroad, it’s the selling rate that applies — always double-check this detail.

Ask for the exact amount before paying

Before handing over your cash, ask: “How much will I receive exactly?”

This ensures that you understand the final amount after any hidden margins or fees.

Currency exchange offices in Paris: where to change your money?

Here are a few exchange offices in Paris that receive good reviews from customers.¹

These examples are for information only. Always check rates online or through comparison apps before visiting, especially if you don’t live near central Paris.

Alternatives to traditional currency exchange offices in Paris

Pay directly with your bank card abroad

Instead of exchanging large amounts of cash, consider paying with your card when abroad.

Check your bank’s foreign transaction fees and the exchange rate it uses — some banks apply hidden mark-ups that increase your total spending.

Withdraw money directly at ATMs

You can also withdraw local currency at ATMs once abroad. It’s often more convenient and secure, but keep in mind that your bank might charge withdrawal fees or apply an unfavourable exchange rate.

Use a multi-currency card

A multi-currency card allows you to spend directly in the local currency without going through a currency exchange office.

This solution is safer and more practical — and with the Wise card, your money is converted at the mid-market exchange rate, with no hidden fees.

Simplify your currency conversions with the Wise card

With the Wise card, you no longer need to visit exchange offices or worry about getting a bad rate.

All your conversions happen automatically at the mid-market exchange rate, and you pay directly in the local currency — without hidden fees.

You can also withdraw up to €200 (or the equivalent in another currency) per month for free, up to two withdrawals.

Everything stays transparent and manageable from your Wise account: your funds are available anytime, and your spending abroad is always done without hidden mark-ups.

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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.