Cash or card in France: Which is the best way to pay?

If you’re going to France soon, you’re probably working out a travel budget and figuring out how much you want to spend. However, your own financial habits aren’t the only thing you should take into consideration. It’s important to learn about the difference in spending habits between the French and UK citizens.

Credit and debit cards are the most popular form of payment in France, but a decent percentage of people still use cash. Although you’ll be able to go cashless in most big cities, having some cash on you might come in handy in certain situations. We’ll go into more detail to help answer the question - which is more convenient, cash or card in France?

We’ll also show you a cost-effective way to handle your finances in France. For all international payments, whether online or in person, you can rely on the Wise card. You can even withdraw euros like a local for low fees* at a mid-market exchange rate.

How cash-centric is France?

France isn’t cash-centric at all, as over 70% of French consumers prefer card payments and digital methods are also on the rise. France is above the European average in the decline of cash use.¹

Cards are seen as trustworthy and practical. Most merchants also prefer cashless payments, as they are perceived as safer and less likely to lead to fraud.

Cash etiquette in France

Tips aren’t expected in French cafés and restaurants, as a 15% service charge is usually included in the price². However, staff will appreciate it if you round up the bill or leave a small amount of extra cash. You can also tip taxi drivers, hotel staff or tour guides. Tipping is generally modest and large amounts may be seen as tacky.

When using cash, it’s best to carry smaller denominations, as this makes it easier to pay and leave exact amounts. Tips can also be added when paying by card, just make sure you let the server know before paying.

Want to work out exactly how much things cost? Explore our live euro exchange rate currency converter.

Cash or card in France - the comparison

We’ve listed some common situations where you’ll be paying for things in France. Here’s whether you’ll be able to pay by card, in cash or both:

📚 Read: Cost of living in France

Using your card in France at an ATM

There’s an extensive network of ATMs in France, except if you’re visiting rural areas. You’ll be able to easily find them on busy streets, shopping malls or near tourist attractions. Some banks in France popular with tourists include BNP Paribas, Banque Postale and Société Générale.⁷

Withdrawal limits depend both on the bank and your card’s limit. Most ATMs are available 24/7, except for certain machines located in bank branches which might be open between 9 am and 3 pm.⁷

You can use your international card at French ATMs. There are many fee-free ATMs, but look out for currency conversion costs.⁷

With Wise, you have free withdrawals each month up to a total of 250 GBP. If you withdraw more than this, a fee of 2.69% applies only to the amount in excess of that 250 GBP allowance.

Wise will not charge you for these withdrawals, but some additional charges may occur from independent ATM networks.

💡Top tip: Always withdraw cash from ATMs in the local currency to avoid merchants adding on higher conversion fees. And remember that when using your card abroad, your bank or card provider may have limits on how much you can withdraw daily, so it’s best to check in advance!

📚 Read: ATMs in France

Will my UK debit card work in France?

Yes, you can use UK-issued debit cards in France, both for paying and withdrawing cash. However, you might be charged extra fees for foreign transactions.⁷

Can I use my UK credit card in France?

Any place that takes cards will likely accept your UK credit card. If you can, bring either a Visa or a Mastercard, since these are the most common networks.⁷

Reasons to use cash in France

While cards are accepted almost everywhere in France, it’s still a good idea to carry some cash. Small shops, flea markets and souvenir stalls often don’t take cards and some taxis may only accept cash, especially outside major cities. Traveling to the countryside is another reason to have a few euros on hand.

Cash is especially useful for tipping. You can leave tips in restaurants, taxis, hotels or on guided tours. It also makes small payments easier and can be essential at places that have a minimum spend for card transactions.

Reasons to use credit or debit cards in France

The French today generally prefer cards over cash, so you can usually use them in most cities and towns, from cafés and shops to taxis and restaurants. Cards are also much safer than carrying large amounts of cash, which can be lost or make you a target for pickpockets.

Even in smaller towns or markets, many vendors now accept card payments, though it’s still wise to keep some cash on hand for places that remain cash-only. Using a card also makes tracking your spending easier, adding convenience alongside security.

Are contactless card payments common in France?

Since paying by cards is the primary method of payment in France, contactless payments are very common. You’ll be able to tap and pay in public transport, restaurants and stores.

The contactless limit in France is €50, after which you’ll have to provide your PIN.⁸

Your Wise card can also be used for contactless payments in France. If you don’t want to carry cards with you, you can get the Wise virtual card with the same features.

Other payment methods in France

Besides using cash or cards in France, other payment methods are also available.

Mobile and e-wallet payment

Mobile payments are becoming increasingly popular in France, mainly because they are convenient and easy to use. The French commonly use global options such as Apple Wallet, Google Wallet and Samsung Wallet.⁹ Make sure your digital wallets are up to date before you leave the UK to ensure smooth payments while traveling.

There are also local digital wallets and apps, including Wero, Sumeria and Lyf. In addition, the company Osmozis offers a payment solution specifically designed for the tourism industry.⁹

For an additional layer of security, you could add your Wise virtual card to your e-wallet. It has all the benefits of a regular Wise card, but it exists in your phone only. You can freeze your Wise virtual card after every transaction, too.

📚 Read: Apple Pay vs Google Wallet

Buy now pay later options (BNPL)

BNPL options can come in handy for splitting purchases into instalments. People in France use this payment method mainly for shopping online. International companies like Klarna are popular with the French, as well as local options such as Alma.¹⁰

Alma allows you to split smaller purchases into 2, 3 or 4 instalments, and bigger purchases into up to 12 instalments.¹¹ Another option is FLOA, a subsidiary of the BNP Paribas Group, which lets you divide your purchases into 3 or 4 monthly instalments.¹²

Paris cash or card: which should you use?

If you’re wondering whether to use cash or card in Paris, you’ll usually find that card payments are accepted in cafés, restaurants, shops and tourist attractions. Paying by card can also make it easier to keep track of your spending.

It’s still worth carrying a small amount of cash for tips, smaller purchases and places that don’t accept cards. Using a combination of both gives you flexibility while you’re exploring the city.

What is the best way to pay in France: cash or card?

If you plan on visiting some of France’s larger cities, such as Paris or Cannes, you’ll probably be able to use your card for everything. Cashless payments are also much more convenient, since some French cities are notorious for their number of pickpockets.

However, it’s always good to have at least some cash on you. Even if you pay for everything with your card, you can use it for tips.

Spend like a local in France with Wise

Want to spend like a local in 150+ countries, including France, without worrying about exchange rates and hidden fees? The Wise card, from the money services provider Wise, might be just the thing you’re looking for.

The Wise card can be used for all international payments. It automatically converts the currency at the mid-market exchange rate with only a small, transparent currency conversion fee*.

You can also use it to easily withdraw euros from the ATMs in France.

Learn more about Wise card 💳

Cash or card in France - FAQs

To summarise, here are some of the most frequent questions about using cash or cards in France.

Should you carry cash in France?

Although the French prefer cards, cash is still used on a daily basis. Make sure you have at least some euros on you.

Should I get euros before I go to France?

You don’t need to buy euros in the UK. You could exchange pounds in France or have Wise do it for you automatically.

Can I use my contactless debit card in France?

Yes! Cards are in fact the most popular form of payment in France.

How do I withdraw money from an ATM in France?

French ATMs take international cards, so withdrawing won’t be an issue. Just make sure you use official bank ATMs in order to avoid high fees.

Are there charges for using a UK credit card in France?

Foreign transaction fees depend on your card provider but many credit cards tend to charge around 2-3% for spending abroad.

How many euros do you need for a week in France?

Your budget will depend on your spending habits, the destination and the season. You’ll probably need between £500 and £1,400 per week.¹³

How many euros should you take to Paris for a weekend city break?

On average, people spend between £170 and £400 for a weekend in Paris, excluding flights.¹³

Sources used in this article:

1. Payments Europe - payment methods in France
2. AFAR - when and how much to tip in France
3. Service-public.fr - paying in taxis
4. Île-de-France Mobilités - paying by card on public transport
5. Bateaux Mouches - river cruise costs
6. Tour Eiffel - accepted payment methods
7. ATM Fee Saver - ATMs in France
8. Service-public.fr - contactless payments
9. Stripe - digital wallets in France
10. Stripe - BNPL in France
11. Alma - installment information
12. FLOA - installment information
13. Itinerary France - how many euros needed for a trip to France

Sources last checked on date: 15-Aug-2026