From the US to Paris: What is a fair amount of cash/euros to bring with me on this trip?

[Guest]

Hi, everyone! I will be in Paris in a month’s time, and it’s my first time traveling abroad from the US since the beginning of the pandemic! I’ve been to Paris twice before, and will be visiting again next month for a writing workshop.

My question is: what is a fair amount of cash/euros to bring with me on this trip? For context, I will be staying 7-nights, but my days will mostly be taken up by workshop activities that are included in the workshop cost (which is already paid for). I’m guessing non-workshop related dinners (5-6 of these), transportation costs, and miscellaneous souvenirs and museum fees will be the bulk of my “on-the-ground” spending. I don’t plan to do too many “tourist-y” things because I’ve done those on past trips and my free time will likely be limited to the evenings (7pm and later) and perhaps some early mornings (before 9am). I will also exclusively be using my credit cards for most expenses but I know that cash can come in handy in certain scenarios.

It has been a few years since traveling abroad, so I want to make sure I arrive prepared with a fair amount of cash on-hand but I do plan to use my credit cards for 95% of my spending. During previous trips, I’ve gotten by with only using my credit cards but I was also there for a shorter period of time and didn’t stray too far away from the main highlights.

Secondly, any off the beaten path restaurant, activity, or museum recommendations are much appreciated! Photos of food and/or any Paris recommendations are also welcome!

[Lynn]

I'm in the Loire Valley right now. I got $100 worth of Euros when I arrived a week ago & haven't used any. Oh, on using cc, sometimes you can't tap you have to insert it into the machine & sometimes you have to sign.

[Lisa]

Was in Paris back in February and I don’t recall using cash a single time. Set up Apple or Google Pay on your phone and “boop” for everything. I like to have some cash on hand myself, but I wait until I’m in the city and find a bank ATM and hopefully it lets me take out a mix of bills instead of a single hard to break 50. The point is having toilet money, lol!

[Lisa]

I was there for 6 nights in November 2022 and took the equivalent of $100/day for food & tours. It was more than enough. I used the metro for most transportation.

[Brian]

Europe has changed since that time. Many cities are essentially cashless. You don't need currency, just a contactless credit card.

[Matt]

I usually only need some pocket change for toilets. I use cards for everything. Having some cash on you is not a bad idea though, I run into cash only places every once in while. If you don’t use it, exchange it at your bank when you get home.

[Fran]

Bring very little euro, you can use most any ATM for cash. May I suggest doing a “food tour” - I did one last year in the Montmare area and loved it. Ate some delish local food (totally full when we left so that was our dinner) and learned about a region of Paris that I knew nothing about. Also met some lovely folks from South Africa! It was a small group of six people. I love food tours because you get history and they feed you! if you time it around lunch or dinner that checks off of a meal

[Steven]

1. Bring $200 in Euro. There are people who will tell you to just wait until you arrive and withdraw from an ATM. Unfortunately, from personal experience, that is bad advice. You may lose your card, your card may not be excepted by the ATM, the ATM may be down when you need money most. Always be prepared and show up with $200 in euros. You may never use them, but there are often times when the credit card readers are down. Just be prepared.

2. L’Orangerie - the Monet rooms are life-changing. Seriously.

Be there at open, so you don’t have to share the rooms with so many other tourists.

3. If you have an old, deactivated smartphone, bring it along. In case you lose your regular phone, you can still use the backup phone by connecting with WiFi. Make sure to charge the phone and bring the charging cable, and make sure WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger are already loaded and working prior to departure.

4. You will encounter pickpockets in many forms. Girls asking you to sign a petition (while their friend pickpockets you), a group will swarm you, a girl will pretend to be incredibly stupid or lost while their accomplice pickpockets you, etc.