How to pay abroad?

Verified 01 January 2023 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

Planning to travel abroad and want to know the different payment methods you can use on site? Here's the information you need to know.

Several means of payment can be used abroad.

In Europe

Payment in euros is accepted within Next 26 countries :

  • Germany
  • Andorra
  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Cyprus (except in the north of the island, on the territory under Turkish military occupation)
  • Croatia
  • Spain
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France (except New Caledonia, French Polynesia and Wallis and Futuna)
  • Greece
  • Ireland
  • Italy (except in the enclave of Campione in Switzerland)
  • Kosovo
  • Latvia
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Malta
  • Monaco
  • Montenegro
  • The Netherlands (except in the islands corresponding to the former Netherlands Antilles)
  • Portugal
  • San Marino
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Vatican

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 KingdomHowever, some shops in tourist areas accept cash payments in euros. However, it is not an obligation.

In another country

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.

Who can help me?

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