How to pay abroad?

Verified 12 September 2024 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

If you are traveling abroad, you can use several means of payment on site: cash, credit card and check. However, their rules of use are different in countries with the euro as their official currency and in other countries. Here's the information you need to know.

Countries using the euro

In these countries, you can use the following means of payment:

  • Cash. You can perform a debit card withdrawal in the country with bank charges identical to those paid in France.
  • Credit card international. The bank charges levied are identical to those paid in France.
  • Check. However, due to the risk of unpaid debts and high bank charges to recover the amount due, few institutions accept it.

Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Sweden, Denmark and United Kingdom, some businesses located in tourist areas accept payments in cash in euros. However, it is not an obligation.

Other countries

You can use the following payment methods:

  • Cash. You have to pay in foreign currency.
  • Credit card. You can use your credit card if it is international. An exchange transaction is carried out and a commission is applied. The exchange rate and commission must be indicated on your statement of account. The exchange rate taken into account shall be that of the day of the exchange of information between the banking institutions. The commission is composed of a variable share and in some cases a fixed share. Check with your bank before you leave to find out what fares are applicable.
  • Check. However, due to the risk of unpaid debts and high bank charges to recover the amount due, few institutions accept it. Your bank may charge you a fee at the time they are presented for payment.

Who can help me?

Find who can answer your questions in your region