Planning a trip to France? Whether you're enjoying a coffee in Paris, exploring local markets in Provence or shopping at your favorite French boutiques, knowing how to pay can make your stay easier.
France is increasingly cashless, with credit and debit cards, contactless payments and mobile wallets widely used across the country. But cash still has its place, and not every payment method is accepted everywhere.
So, should you bring euros, rely on your Visa or Mastercard, or simply pay with your phone? Here's everything international travelers need to know about payment methods in France, including a few tips to save money on their shopping.
Key takeaways
- Bank cards are the most widely used payment method in France, with Visa and Mastercard accepted in most shops, restaurants and hotels.
- Contactless and mobile payments are increasingly popular, with Apple Pay and Google Pay widely supported.
- Cash is still useful, especially for local markets, small purchases and businesses that don't accept cards.
- Paying in euros rather than your home currency can help you avoid unnecessary conversion fees.
- Non-EU residents can claim a VAT refund on eligible purchases in France, regardless of whether they pay by card or in cash.
What is the most popular payment method in France?
Bank cards have become the leading payment method for everyday purchases in France.
According to the Banque de France, card payments overtook cash for the first time in 2024, accounting for 48% of transactions at physical points of sale, compared with 43% for cash.
This reflects a broader shift towards digital payments, with contactless cards and smartphone payments becoming part of everyday life.
For international visitors, that's good news. Whether you're shopping at a department store, booking a hotel or paying for lunch, you'll usually be able to use a bank card.
However, it's still worth knowing which cards are accepted and when another payment method might come in handy.
1. Credit and debit cards: the easiest way to pay in France
Credit and debit cards are among the most convenient payment methods for international visitors.
Most hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, shopping centers and major retailers accept international payment cards.
Visa and Mastercard
Visa and Mastercard are two of the most widely accepted international card networks in France.
If you already have a Visa or Mastercard issued by your bank, you can generally use it for everyday purchases throughout your trip, provided your card is enabled for international transactions.
You can also use these cards to withdraw euros from ATMs when needed.
Before traveling, remember to check:
- Whether your bank charges foreign transaction or currency conversion fees.
- Your daily spending and ATM withdrawal limits.
- Whether your card is activated for international use.
- Whether your bank requires additional authentication for certain payments.
Travel tip: If you're visiting France from outside the eurozone, check your bank's exchange rates and international fees before departure. These can make a difference to your overall travel budget, especially if you're planning a shopping trip.
What about American Express?
American Express is also accepted in France, particularly at certain hotels, luxury boutiques, department stores and international businesses.
However, its acceptance is less widespread than Visa and Mastercard, especially among smaller independent retailers.
If American Express is your main payment card, carrying a Visa or Mastercard as a backup is a practical choice.
2. Contactless payments: quick and convenient
If you've visited France recently, you've probably noticed how common contactless payments have become.
In many shops and restaurants, you can simply tap your card on the payment terminal instead of inserting it and entering your PIN.
Contactless payments are especially convenient for everyday expenses such as buying a coffee, picking up groceries or paying for a quick lunch.
Most modern Visa and Mastercard cards support contactless payments, although compatibility depends on your card issuer.
For security reasons, you may occasionally be asked to enter your PIN, even when using a contactless card.
3. Mobile payments: Apple Pay and Google Pay
Prefer traveling without a wallet full of cards?
Mobile payment solutions such as Apple Pay and Google Pay are becoming increasingly popular in France.
According to the Banque de France's 2025 payment security report, mobile payments now account for approximately one in five in-store card payments.
These digital wallets allow you to pay using a compatible smartphone or smartwatch, provided you've added an eligible payment card.
For example, if your Visa card is compatible with Apple Pay or Google Pay, you can add it to your digital wallet and use it at compatible payment terminals.
Mobile payments are particularly practical when you're sightseeing, using public transport services that support contactless bank card payments or shopping without wanting to take your physical wallet out every time.
However, it's worth keeping your physical card available as a backup in case your phone runs out of battery or a terminal doesn't support mobile payments.
4. Cash: still useful when traveling in France
Despite the popularity of cards and mobile payments, cash hasn't disappeared from French daily life.
The official currency in France is the euro (€), and cash remains useful in certain situations.
You might prefer to carry some euros when visiting local markets, making small purchases or paying at businesses that don't accept cards.
In fact, French businesses are generally required to accept euro cash payments, subject to certain legal exceptions and payment limits. On the other hand, they can refuse card payments or impose a minimum spending amount, provided customers are informed in advance.
You can find more information about these rules on the French government's official website.
You don't need to carry large amounts of cash, though. ATMs are readily available in French cities, airports and many towns.
For international travelers, it's usually sensible to combine a payment card with a small amount of cash rather than relying exclusively on one method.
5. Online payments: shopping in France before you leave
Shopping in France doesn't always mean visiting a physical store.
Many international travelers also order products online during their stay, whether that's clothing, electronics, beauty products or gifts.
French e-commerce websites commonly accept Visa and Mastercard, while some retailers also offer PayPal, Apple Pay or other online payment solutions.
Available options depend on the retailer, and certain payment services may require a compatible bank account or card.
If you're ordering online during your trip, make sure to check delivery dates carefully, particularly if you plan to collect your purchases before leaving France.
And here's something worth knowing: eligible online purchases can also qualify for a VAT refund with Zapptax, provided the necessary conditions are met.
Find out more in our guide to getting a VAT refund on online shopping.
How to avoid unnecessary payment fees in France
Choosing how to pay isn't just about convenience. It can also affect how much you spend.
Here are a few simple habits that can help international visitors avoid unnecessary charges.
Pay in euros whenever possible
When paying with a foreign card, some payment terminals may offer you a choice between paying in euros or in your home currency.
This is known as dynamic currency conversion.
Choosing your home currency means the merchant's payment provider handles the conversion, potentially applying additional fees or a less favorable exchange rate.
In many cases, selecting euros and letting your own card issuer perform the conversion can be more cost-effective.
Visa also explains how this works in its guide to dynamic currency conversion, including what to look out for when a payment terminal offers to convert your transaction.
Check your bank's international transaction fees
Not all cards apply the same fees abroad.
Some banks charge a percentage for purchases in foreign currencies, while others offer cards with reduced or no foreign transaction fees.
The card network alone doesn't determine these fees: the conditions set by your bank or card issuer also matter.
Keep a backup payment method
Even if your preferred card works almost everywhere, having an alternative can save you trouble.
A second card or a small amount of cash can come in handy if your main card is declined, lost or temporarily unavailable.
Shopping in France? Don't forget your VAT refund!
There's another way international travelers can save money while shopping in France: claiming back part of the Value Added Tax (VAT) included in their purchases.
In France, the standard VAT rate is 20%, and this tax is already included in the retail price of most goods.
If you live outside the European Union, are at least 16 years old and are visiting France for less than six months, you may be eligible for a VAT refund on qualifying purchases that you take home when leaving the EU.
And the good news is that your eligibility doesn't depend on whether you paid with a Visa card, Mastercard, another accepted card or cash.
What matters is meeting the VAT refund requirements and obtaining the correct purchase documentation.
How to claim your VAT refund with Zapptax
Zapptax helps eligible international travelers claim VAT refunds on purchases made in France, including from retailers that don't offer traditional tax-free shopping services.
Here's how it works:
- Shop in France. Purchase eligible goods and request an invoice issued in Zapptax's name, using the billing details provided in the app.
- Upload your invoices. Add your invoices to the Zapptax app throughout your stay. Eligible purchases can be combined to meet the minimum purchase threshold of €100.01, even across different stores and days.
- Generate your tax-free form. Once your shopping is complete, create your tax-free form in the app.
- Validate your purchases at customs. Before leaving the European Union, have your tax-free form validated by customs, using a PABLO kiosk where available or presenting your tax-free form to a Customs officer.
- Receive your VAT refund. After successful customs validation and processing, your refund is issued through your selected available refund method by Zapptax.
Can you receive your VAT refund on a Visa card?
Yes! Zapptax allows eligible users to receive their VAT refund on a compatible payment card, including Visa cards.
Other refund options are also available, depending on your account and the supported payment methods.
This means you can choose the available refund solution that best suits your needs, independently of how you originally paid for your purchases.
Remember: A VAT refund isn't automatically applied when you pay in-store. You must follow the tax-free shopping process and obtain customs validation before the refund can be processed.
Want to know more? Read our complete step-by-step guide to claiming a VAT refund in France.
Which payment method should you use when visiting France?
For most international travelers, the easiest solution is a combination of payment methods.
A Visa or Mastercard is a practical choice for everyday spending, contactless and mobile payments offer extra convenience, and a little cash can be useful for smaller purchases or unexpected situations.
Ultimately, the best payment method depends on your bank's fees, your personal preferences and the places you plan to visit.
And if you're planning to shop while in France, don't forget to check whether your purchases qualify for a VAT refund.
With Zapptax, you can make the most of your shopping budget and potentially recover part of the VAT paid on eligible purchases before heading home.
FAQ
What is the most widely used payment method in France?
Bank cards are the most commonly used payment method for purchases in French shops. Card payments overtook cash transactions in 2024, according to the Banque de France. Contactless and mobile payments are also increasingly popular.
Can I use my Visa or Mastercard in France?
Yes. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted across France, including in most hotels, restaurants, supermarkets and retail stores. However, individual businesses may apply restrictions, and international transactions depend on your card issuer.
Can I pay with Apple Pay or Google Pay in France?
Yes. Apple Pay and Google Pay are accepted at many contactless payment terminals in France, provided your device and linked payment card are compatible.
Should I pay in euros or my home currency?
When paying with a foreign card, selecting euros is often the better option because it avoids the merchant's dynamic currency conversion service. However, it's always worth comparing the exchange rates and fees offered by your bank.
Can tourists get a VAT refund on purchases paid by card or cash?
Yes. Eligible non-EU residents can claim a VAT refund on their purchases regardless of whether they paid by Visa, Mastercard, another accepted card or cash. With Zapptax, refunds can also be received through an available supported payment method, including credit cards.
