Interview with Jacob about travel money for France
Jacob spends a bit of time in Paris. The schengen visa arrangements allows Australian citizens to stay in Europe for up to 3 months every 6 months. Last time he was in France, he spent 2 and a half months in Paris and few weeks travelling to some of the smaller cities in the North of France.
What cards did you take with you?
Why did you take these cards with you?
ANZ Low Rate Card. This credit card is a low rate product, meaning it has no extras like complimentary insurance, but it also has a low annual fee and a low purchase rate of interest. I used this credit card to pay for my flights and other bookings. A low rate was more important to Jacob than travel features because there are some months when he doesn't pay off his credit card off in full.
St.George Visa Debit Card. He says this is his day-to-day card. Jacob says he paid a currency conversion fee of 3% for each transaction when he used his card to make over the counter purchases and ATM withdrawals.
Did you withdraw from ATMs?
He used his St.George Debit Card to withdraw cash from ATMs in France.
St.George is part of the Westpac Group, and Westpac has an international ATM alliance with BNP Paribas. He says he avoided an additional $5 charge each time he withdrew from a BNP ATM. BNP Paribas are one of the largest banks in France and its ATMs are widespread. He says he was paying 3% of the total value of the transaction. That was the only charge when he made withdrawals from BNP Paribas ATMs.
Were there any places where you had trouble using your cards?
Jacob says he didn't have a problem using his card throughout France, although he spent the majority of his time in Paris. He was able to make contactless purchases at a lot of the time. He could use his card in the following places: Restaurants, clubs, bars, record shops, train stations, tobacconists, supermarkets, bakeries and the list goes on. He notes that some places make you spend over €20 if you want to use your card. However, if the businesses has a contactless payment terminal installed (and he says most of them do), you can use your card for purchases as small as a couple of euros.
- Artisanal bakeries such as Le Grenier à Pain, Montmartre — (the best in Paris and, arguably, the world) are cash only. Note the bakers do not handle money, you insert coins in a machine once you place your order.
- The Paris flea markets are cash only.
- High fashion and retail businesses in Le Marias are card friendly, but the falafel sandwich shops are cash only.
What's your recommendation for the best form of travel money to take to France?
Jacob says a credit card is a must. He also suggests it's worth including the Citibank Plus Transaction Account in your travel money comparison. He says this account doesn't charge for currency conversion or international ATM fees, which means you can use the account to withdraw from any bank ATM in France and you won't pay any extra fees.
Do you have any travel money tips for France?
- Coffee. Coffee gets more expensive or cheaper (espresso) based on the location of the cafe. For example, in Paris, you'll pay €1 more for a coffee (which is not the best) in Saint Germaine than Gare du Nord or Republique. You pay for the view, not the coffee.
- Tipping. Tipping is not expected and should be given as a way of saying thanks for good service. Rounding the price of a coffee up to the nearest Euro at a cafe is appreciated.
- Metro tickets. If you're using the Metro in Paris, buy bulk (packs of 10 or 20 tickets at a time) for a discount. France (especially Paris) is beautiful. Walk everywhere.
- Summer prices. France becomes much more expensive in Summer (tourist season), especially the price of accommodation.
- Free museums. Paris is a world centre for art and culture. The calibre of its museums attract millions of visitors every year. If this is up your alley, the first Sunday of every month is free museum day in Paris. Que up early, as you can imagine, it's very popular.
- Street food. Head to Rue des Rosiers, Le Marais for a one of the best falafel sandwiches in the world — and for about 5 euros.
- Buy food from the supermarket to save money. This is common sense. But Jacob says your budget will go much further if you purchase staples from one of France's large supermarket chains.
Finally, some good news! Domestic travel is picking up, so some insurers have started offering cover again 🦘 
