Money

Currency

The euro, the single European currency, became the official currency of France and 11 other participating countries on January 1, 1999. The euro didn't go into general circulation until January 1, 2002. The old currency, the French franc, disappeared into history on March 1, 2002, replaced by the euro, which is officially abbreviated "EUR" or €. Exchange rates of participating countries are locked into a common currency fluctuating against the dollar, and the difference could affect the relative costs of your trip. For up-to-the-minute currency conversions, go to www.xe.com/ucc. For more details on the euro, check out www.europa.eu.int/euro.

Most banks in Paris are open Monday to Friday from 9am to 4:30pm, and a few are open Saturday; ask at your hotel for the location of the one nearest you. Most post offices will convert currency, and exchanges are also available at Paris airports and train stations and along most of the major boulevards. They charge a small commission. Some exchange places charge favorable rates to lure you into their stores. For example, Paris Vision, 214 rue de Rivoli, 1er (tel. 01-42-60-31-25; Métro: Tuileries), maintains a minibank in the back of a travel agency, open daily from 7am to 9pm. Its rates are only a fraction less favorable than those offered for large blocks of money as listed by the Paris stock exchange.

The prices in Paris are roughly comparable to London or New York, though Paris is less expensive than London these days. It remains one of the priciest capitals to visit in Western Europe, though it's far cheaper than Oslo. Worldwide, its prices are "moderate" when stacked up against such international destinations as Tokyo.

ATMs

The easiest and best way to get cash away from home is from an ATM (automated teller machine), sometimes referred to as a "cash machine," or a "cashpoint." The Cirrus (tel. 800/424-7787; www.mastercard.com) and PLUS (tel. 800/843-7587; www.visa.com) networks span the globe; look at the back of your bank card to see which network you're on, and then call or check online for ATM locations at your destination. Be sure you know your personal identification number (PIN) and daily withdrawal limit before you depart. You may need a four-digit personal identification number or PIN (six digits may not work) to use ATMs in Paris. If you have a six-digit code, you may want to consider getting a new one for your trip.

Note: Remember that many banks impose a fee every time you use a card at another bank's ATM, and that fee can be higher for international transactions (up to $5 or more) than for domestic ones. In addition, the bank from which you withdraw cash may charge its own fee. For international withdrawal fees, ask your bank.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are another safe way to carry money. They also provide a convenient record of all your expenses, and they generally offer relatively good exchange rates. You can withdraw cash advances from your credit cards at banks or ATMs, provided you know your PIN. Keep in mind that you'll pay interest from the moment of your withdrawal, even if you pay your monthly bills on time. Also, note that many banks now assess a 1% to 3% transaction fee on all charges you incur abroad (whether you're using the local currency or your native currency). The credit cards most commonly accepted in Paris are American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, and Visa, but not the Discover card.

Traveler's Checks

Traveler's checks are still an option in Paris, but with 24-hour ATMs around every corner, they are fading in use. However, the frugal traveler still carries them because they are cheaper than withdrawing money from the ATM every day.

You can buy traveler's checks at most banks. They are offered in denominations of $20, $50, $100, $500, and sometimes $1,000. Generally, you'll pay a service charge ranging from 1% to 4%.

The most popular traveler's checks are offered by: American Express (tel. 800/807-6233 or 800/221-7282 for cardholders -- this number accepts collect calls, offers service in several foreign languages, and exempts AmEx gold and platinum cardholders from the 1% fee); Visa (tel. 800/732-1322) -- AAA members can obtain Visa checks for a $9.95 fee (for checks up to $1,500) at most AAA offices or by calling tel. 866/339-3378; and MasterCard (tel. 800/223-9920).