Credt and Debit Cards
Credit cards are widely accepted; just watch for the window stickers. Visa - known as the Carte Bleue in France - is almost universally recognized; Access, Mastercard - sometimes called Eurocard - and American Express rank a bit lower. It's always worth checking, however, that restaurants and hotels will accept your card; some smaller ones don't. Be aware, also, that French cards have a smart chip, and machines may reject cards with a magnetic strip even if they are valid. If your card is refused because of this, you may be able to get them to confirm it by explaining the problem to the cashier or waiter in question: "Les cartes britanniques/americaines/canadiennes/australiennes/de Nouvelle Zealand ne sont pas cartes a puce, mais a piste magnetique. Ma carte est valable et je vous serais tres reconnaissant(e) de demander la confirmation aupres de votre banque ou de votre centre de traitement." You can also use credit cards for cash advances at banks and in ATMs. The charge tends to be higher - for example 4.1 percent instead of the 1.5 percent at home for Visa cards. The PIN number should be the same as you use at home but check with your credit card company before you leave. Also, because French credit cards are smart cards, some ATMs baulk at for eign plastic and tell you that your request for money has been denied. If that happens, just try another machine. All ATMs give you the choice of instructions in French or English. Post offices will give cash advances on Visa credit cards if you are having a problem using them in ATMs. Debit cards can also be used in ATMs or to pay for goods and services if they carry the appropriate Visa symbol or there's an "edc" (European acceptance) sign. British cards are charged around 1 percent or a minimum of GBP1.50 when used in an ATM, so it makes sense not to take small sums out constantly, whereas North American cards tend to charge a flat rate of $1-2, making it the most economical and convenient method. You would not wan the use of ATMs to be your sole source of money on a long trip far form home as a lost, stolen or malfunctioning card would leave you with nothing, so always have some spare currency or travellers' cheques as a back-up.
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