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Planning and packing for a long trip isn’t much different than packing for a shorter one, but there are a few extra things to think of when you’re headed across the pond to France.   As I’m getting ready for a long trip of my own,  I thought I’d share some of the things I’ve learned.

Everyone always asks about the best way to deal with money matters.   Here’s my list of things to know:

Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans.

In the interest of fraud protection, you might find your credit or ATM card refused (or swallowed by the machine).  No fun at all. 

Changing money

In France and in much of western Europe, the easiest way to change money is via your ATM card.  It’s also the method with the best exchange rate.  However:

            If your password is a word, memorize the corresponding numbers i.e.  ohno = 6466.   French bank keypads have only numbers, not letters.

            Look for this symbol or one like it to find an ATM machine:

 

Your bank will probably charge a fee to make withdrawals, though some do not – check beforehand to see how much, and what your daily limit is.   French banks have a daily limit of 300 Euros, so even if your limit is higher, that’s all you can get in one day.  Doesn’t matter if it’s a different bank – 300 Euros a day from bank machines is all you’ll get.  Plan accordingly.

A few traveler’s checks as backup doesn’t hurt, but it’s no longer necessary in France.   Places to cash them are getting fewer and fewer, whereas bank machines that take your ATM card are everywhere and function 24/7.

Change a little money into Euros before you go, but wait until you’re in Europe to change large amounts.   You’ll get a much better rate.

Credit Cards

Visa and Mastercard are widely excepted.   Some merchants will not accept American Express, and virtually no one accepts Discover.

If you rent a car, the car rental company will put a hold on your credit card for the amount of the insurance deductible – usually between $500. and $1000.,  possibly more if you rent a luxury vehicle.  It won’t be charged to your card, but it will change your available credit.  Again, plan accordingly.

Carry at least one different credit card than your traveling companion, in case one of you has a problem with your card.

European credit and debit cards operate on a chip and pin technology as yet unused by most American credit card companies (some are just starting to try them out.)   What this means is that your American credit card does not work in many useful machines,   These include:

Ticket machines for train tickdets, metro tickets, bus tickets.

Bike rental in Paris (Velib) and elsewhere in France

Electric car rentals in Paris and Nice

Gas station pumps at automated stations (many have no human attendants after hours)

Machines that will provide cash against your regular Visa or Master Charge card charge exhorbitant exchange rates.   Avoid them.

Likewise, hotels will change money or cash traveler’s checks at very high rates.   Smile and say no thanks unless you’re either desperate or have money to burn.

Lots of money woes can be avoided by prepaying many costs before leaving home.  Hotels, trains, car rentals, guides – all can be prepaid.

Finally, if you are, for some reason, removing more than $10,000. cash from the US, Uncle Sam will want to know.