Paris Guide^©
Mel & Judith Croner

Money

When you can, use your MasterCard or VISA. (Be sure your credit card provider does not have a surcharge for foreign transactions.  May credit card companies now are charging as much as 4% above the "street" exchange rate on their transactions.  Follow this link to a good article on what credit cards are charging what rates on international transactions: http://www.bankrate.com/ibd/news/cc/20010416b.asp

MasterCard and VISA are accepted almost everywhere. You will, when you receive your statement, find that you received almost the published exchange rate.  To check on exchange rates, go to the Universal Currency Converter. If you want to change cash or travelers checks into Euros,
use Multi Change, 7, rue Marbeuf, 8e. Métro: Franklin D. Roosevelt. Ask for André. His rates are far better than banks. Remember, on January 1, 2002, the Euro made its debut. The French France has disappeared and been replaced by the Euro (€) throughout most of western Europe with some exceptions such as Switzerland.

You also can use most ATMs around Paris that display the logos of such services as "Star" or "Cirrus" to obtain €'s.  Typically, the exchange rates at ATM are about as well as you can do.  There may be a small fee charged by the French bank providing the ATM, but the ATM remains the best way to change $'s to €'s. Most of the time your US bank card will work.  Also, check with your bank to determine if there is a foreign transaction charge for withdrawals from foreign ATMs.)  Before your leave the US, you can find the location of an ATM near your hotel by visiting http://www.visa.com or http://www.mastercard.com.

Send your suggestions to: mel@croner.biz