ATMs in France: locations, fees, and tips (2024)

While credit and debit cards are widely accepted in France, there may be times when paying in cash is your only or best option. As a savvy traveller, you’ll want to have at least some euros for such an occasion.

Luckily, getting cash for these emergencies is simple. All you need is a bank card and an ATM.

In this guide, we’ll show you where to find ATMs in France and how to use them. And crucially, how much they cost in fees and currency conversion charges.

We’ll even show you a super convenient way to spend abroad using the Wise card, which works in 150+ countries.

So, let’s get started.

Where do I find ATMs in France?

ATMs are widely available at airports and in France’s major cities and towns. There’s an ATM inside or outside most bank branches, as well as in French post offices. You shouldn’t have a problem finding one.

To find your nearest ATM in France, you can use these ATM locator tools from major French banks:

• BNP Paribas ATM locator
• Crédit Agricole ATM locator
• La Banque Postale ATM locator
• Société Générale ATM locator

What are ATMs called in France?¹

ATMs are generally called distributeur automatique de billets (DABs) in France. You may also see the word retrait, which is the French word for withdrawal. Some may simply be called ATMs, especially in tourist hotspots.

Will my credit or debit card work in French ATMs?

ATMs in France generally accept Visa and Mastercard debit and credit cards, which are the most commonly issued cards in the UK. And they usually accept both locally and overseas issued cards.

So, you should be fine to use your UK-issued card abroad - just make sure you check with your bank about any potential charges.

You can search for your nearest cash machine in France with these global ATM locators:

• Visa ATM locator
• MasterCard ATM locator

France ATM Pins

ATMs in France use and accept 4-digit PINs, which is compatible with UK-issued cards.²

When it comes to paying for goods and services in shops and restaurants, Chip and PIN technology is used - but it isn’t absolutely everywhere in France.

Outside of the big cities, you might encounter vendors still using older systems which require the swiping of the magnetic stripe on your debit card.² So, you’ll need to check if your card has this.

France ATM max cash withdrawal limits

The maximum amount you can withdraw from a French ATM will largely depend on your bank. Each bank usually has its own daily, weekly and/or monthly withdrawal limits.

French ATMs don’t tend to have withdrawal limits themselves, except if you’re trying to withdraw an excessively large amount.²

Let your bank know before you travel

These days, it isn’t always necessary to tell your bank that you’ll be using your debit card abroad.

But it could still be a good idea to do it anyway, just in case your transactions in France flag up as potential fraud. The last thing you want during your trip is for transactions to be declined or for your card to be mistakenly blocked.

To avoid any of this hassle, it could even be worth getting an alternative spending card - one that is specially designed for international travel.

A great option is the Wise card, as it works in 150+ countries and lets you withdraw up to £200 a month (max. 2 withdrawals) from overseas ATMs without any fees. Wise doesn’t charge for these withdrawals but you’ll need to check that the ATM operator doesn’t charge its own fees.

Choose to withdraw in the local currency and your Wise card will do the currency conversion at the mid-market exchange rate with only a small conversion fee*.

This means no expensive mark-ups eating into your spending money.

Discover the Wise card 💳

What are the ATM fees in France?

In the UK, while there are some independent ATM networks that charge their own fees, many ATMs are free to use. This is in stark contrast to some overseas countries where there are often hefty transaction fees to pay.

So what’s the situation in France? Read on to find out.

Exchange rate fees at ATMs in France (DCC)

The first potential cost of using an overseas ATM is related to currency conversion.

If you’ve ever used an ATM in another country, you may be familiar with the screen asking you if you want the transaction to be carried out in British pounds or the local currency. You’ll encounter this in France too.

It’s always recommended to choose to withdraw in the local currency, in this case euros (EUR) - without a currency conversion. This will mean you get a better rate, as the conversion will be done by your bank or card provider.

However, if you choose to be charged in British pounds, the ATM will make up an exchange rate using something called Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC). This rate will almost certainly be unfavourable, and can make the transaction expensive for you.

So the bottom line is - it’s always best to press ‘no’ when asked about currency conversion.

Home bank ATM fees

Some UK banks charge fees for foreign transactions, including cash withdrawals. So always check before you travel, either by contacting your bank or reading the terms and conditions for your account.

France bank ATM fees

The great news is that bank-operated ATMs in France don’t tend to charge ATM fees.¹

However, some independent ATMs may, so check on the screen before confirming the transaction.

Can I get free cash withdrawals in France?

ATMs in France that are run by banks and post offices should be free to use, whether you have a French bank account or are using a debit card linked to your UK account.

It’s also good to know that the French bank BNP Paribas is part of the Global ATM Alliance, which is a network of banks spread across countries that waive international ATM fees.¹

Tips for avoiding ATM fees in France

Always choose to be charged in the local currency

Some ATMs may offer you a ‘service’ of being charged in your local currency (i.e. GBP). While you may feel relieved to see the figures on terms you’re more familiar with, it’s always best to decline this option.

Being charged in the local currency helps you avoid hidden ATM rip-offs by giving you the best possible exchange rate.

Choosing to see the transaction shown in British pounds gives the ATM permission to give you an arbitrary (generally much more unfavourable) exchange rate for your withdrawal.

Check out the latest GBP to EUR conversion rates below:

Avoid airport ATMs

ATMs at airports tend to be very expensive, charging high fees for withdrawing money or converting currency. So even though they may be convenient, they’re best avoided unless you have no other option.

Find a bank that is part of the Global ATM Alliance

The Global ATM Alliance is a network of major banks that waive international ATM fees. So, it’s always worth checking if there’s a participating bank in the country you’re visiting, so you can benefit from free withdrawals.

In France, there’s BNP Paribas, which is part of the Alliance and offers free ATM withdrawals.¹

Choose the right fee-free card

Some UK banks don’t charge foreign transaction fees for spending and cash withdrawals. If you travel frequently, it may be worth switching banks so you can benefit from a fee-free card.

Another important tip is to avoid making ATM withdrawals with a credit card. This is because it’s usually a lot more expensive than using a debit card, as fees are charged for cash-based transactions. Plus, interest will likely start accruing right away, so you won’t benefit from your usual interest-free period.

Spend and withdraw worldwide with the Wise card

If you travel regularly, the Wise card is the perfect way to spend and withdraw cash worldwide.

It’s a dedicated travel card, letting you spend like a local in 150+ countries worldwide. It automatically converts your pounds to the local currency at the mid-market exchange rate whenever you spend.

And when you need cash, you can use it to withdraw up to £200 a month (max. 2 withdrawals) fee-free*. Remember, though Wise doesn’t charge for these withdrawals it’s always worth checking in advance that the ATM operator doesn’t charge its own fees.

You’ll just need to check whether the ATM operator charges its own fees.

Your Wise card awaits 💳

Choose to withdraw in the local currency and your Wise card will do the currency conversion at the mid-market exchange rate with only a small conversion fee*, and it’s fee-free if you already have the currency in your Wise account.

Sign up for a Wise account online and you can get your own Wise card for a one-time fee of just £7.

Sign up for a Wise account

ATMs in France FAQs

Is it best to take cash or card to France?

Debit and credit cards are widely accepted in France, especially in the bigger towns and cities. But it could still be sensible to take a mix of cash and cards to France, depending where you’re visiting and what you’ll be doing.

For example, you might find that cards aren’t accepted in more rural or remote areas of the country. Or that you need euros in cash for tips, public buses, street food vendors or markets/fairs.

Read more about money in France.

Which ATMs in France are free?

Most ATMs operated by French banks and post offices should be free to use, especially those run by BNP Paribas - which is part of the Global ATM Alliance.

Can I use my UK debit card in France?

Yes, you should be fine to use your UK debit card in France. Most ATMs and vendors accept foreign-issued cards, as well as major providers such as Visa and Mastercards.

Is it cheaper to use a credit card or debit card in France?

It’s usually cheaper to use a debit card when spending abroad, although it depends on whether you have an interest-free credit card with no fees for overseas transactions.

But if you’ll be withdrawing cash, it’s always cheaper to use a debit card

How can I avoid ATM fees in Europe?

To avoid ATM fees, look for fee-free ATMs, including banks which partner with your home bank in the UK and those that are part of the Global ATM Alliance.

You should also choose for the transaction to be carried out in the local currency, without currency conversion.

Research the banks with the cheapest ATM fees before you travel and avoid withdrawing cash on your credit card. Alternatively, go cash-free - spend using an international debit card like the Wise card, instead.

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Sources used:

1. Monito - ATMs in France
2. ATM Fee Saver - ATM fees and limits in France

Sources last checked on date: 17-Oct-2024