About withdrawing cash...

This article from Rick Steves is super-helpful.

https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/money/cash-machine-atm-tips


1. French bank ATMs charge no withdrawal fees.

2. Most ATM cards use either the Pulse network (linking Visa cards) or the Cirrus network (used by MasterCard, Maestro, and Diners Club). These networks typically charge a 1% currency conversion fee but the exchange rates are standard bank to bank, mid-market rates.

3. Many US banks, particularly large, big-advertising-budget banks will add fixed transaction costs or add up to a 2% of the amount withdrawn in fees to each withdrawal. These additional fees can be completely avoided if one is careful about the bank he uses.

4. As long as your ATM card is linked to either Pulse or Cirrus/Maestro, there is little chance that it will be rejected at a French bank ATM. If for some reason there is a problem at one ATM, do as twk suggests and try another location.

5. Most US banks limit the amount of money that can be withdrawn within any 24 hour period to approximately $500 or less than 400€. This might be a concern for those paying for accommodations in cash and withdrawals should be planned accordingly.

6. French ATMs will not offer a choice if you typically make ATM withdrawals from different bank accounts. Withdrawals will be automatically made from whichever account your bank has earmarked as your primary account. Bank customers may want to confirm their primary accounts before travelling.

Using ATMs offers the low cost way to obtain foreign currencies. ATMs are ubiquitous all over France including at the airports so obtaining euros is now a fairly routine and simple process.