Where to change your money in France: everything you need to know to save on the exchange rate

Are you going abroad from France? Do you need foreign currency? Discover all the options for exchanging your money in France: currency exchange bureaus, bank branches, online banking…

Most providers add a margin to the exchange rate. With Wise, you always get the mid-market rate on payments and withdrawals — no hidden markups.

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Where to exchange money in France: the classic options

Here are the most common options for exchanging money in France before you travel abroad:

• Currency exchange bureau: This is the simplest solution if you’re going to a place where card payments aren’t widespread. You can obtain foreign currency before departure or once you arrive. Among the best-known exchanges are Global Exchange or Travelex.

• At your French bank: Depending on the currency requested, it can take several days to arrive. However, some banks offer home delivery. Rates are generally more attractive than at exchange offices.

You’ll incur significant fees regardless of the option chosen. And the exchange rate applied will often include a margin.

To pay less, opt for the Wise card: you can pay or withdraw foreign currency at the mid-market exchange rate, reducing your fees compared to some traditional French cards.

Exchange money before leaving France or once you arrive abroad?

It is generally recommended to exchange your money before departure from France. You’ll benefit financially and have peace of mind.

Once you’re abroad, exchange rates and fees are often less favorable than in France—especially in tourist cities and busy areas like pharmacies, stations, and airports.

Choose an office away from tourist hotspots such as airports, train stations, city centers, and shopping malls. Rates will usually be more attractive.

Another factor to consider is security. Carrying large amounts of cash can be risky depending on your destination. To avoid this, use your card as much as possible. Reserve cash payments only for when you really need them.

The Wise card is ideal for this purpose: payments and withdrawals abroad in foreign currencies are cheaper than with most traditional French cards, since the conversion is done at the mid-market exchange rate.

Where to exchange money at the best rate in France?

It’s more convenient to order foreign currency from your French bank than to use an exchange office in tourist areas.

Go to your usual branch and order the desired amount. This is a good option if you’re planning a long trip abroad, as it can take several days depending on the currency.

Some banks also offer home delivery, giving you more flexibility.

But keep in mind: you’ll incur fees for the service and often an additional exchange rate margin.

We recommend using the Wise card to benefit from the mid-market exchange rate: it allows you to pay and withdraw abroad without hidden markups.

“Fee-free” currency exchange: beware of hidden costs

Some exchange offices in France advertise foreign currency without fees. Beware! Instead of charging a fixed fee, they often include the cost in a less favorable exchange rate. You’ll receive fewer units of foreign currency even if no transaction fee is listed.

The higher the amount exchanged, the more this hidden cost adds up.

Here’s an example:

• Exchange office A: You exchange €1,000 into dollars at a rate of 1.15 with a €5 commission → you receive $1,145.
• Exchange office B: You exchange €1,000 “fee-free” at a rate of 1.13 → you receive $1,130.

Even though the difference in the rate looks small (0.02), exchange office B’s offer results in fewer dollars overall.

Please note: the commissions and exchange rates used in this example are fictitious.

Where to exchange money in France?

Here are the main providers for getting foreign currency in France:

• Travelex: One of the world’s largest foreign exchange companies, with offices at Charles de Gaulle Airport.
• Global Exchange: Present in over 20 countries, including France.
• Other French exchange offices: Multi-change, APS Change, ChangeGroup, Abacor, etc. These are local providers with fewer international networks and often higher rates.
• At your French bank: All major banks provide foreign currency exchange services.

Global Exchange and Travelex also allow you to order currency online and collect it in person, saving time. Global Exchange sometimes offers better online rates, while Travelex can deliver directly to your home in France.

Where is the best place to exchange money in France?

Here’s a summary of the main options for exchanging money in France before traveling abroad:

Agencies and exchange offices usually add a premium margin to the exchange rate. This is rarely announced upfront, so you end up paying hidden costs.

Providers use phrases like “our rate,” “competitive rate,” or “the best rate.” In practice, this often means a markup.

To avoid this and gain flexibility, we recommend making payments and withdrawals with a multi-currency card like Wise.

Not only will you benefit from the mid-market exchange rate, but you also won’t need to carry large sums of cash when crossing borders.

Use the Wise card when traveling abroad from France

Wise is one of the few providers offering the mid-market exchange rate with no limits on foreign currency transactions—without monthly subscriptions.

Order the Wise multi-currency card for €7 (delivery fee) and enjoy:

• Hold over 40 currencies in one account.
• Payments and withdrawals abroad at the mid-market exchange rate, without hidden markups.
• No payment fees when you use a currency already in your account and no conversion is required.
• 2 free withdrawals per month up to €200.

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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.