Money and Banking

 

Money and Banking

 

General recommendations

 

We strongly recommend you to inform your bank that you will travel and withdraw money from abroad. It is also the occasion for you to check the maximum amount you can withdraw per day and per week.

 

 

Means of payment and currency exchange

 

Bank card
There are many types of bank cards, but the most usual ones in France are debit cards which allow you to shop, check the status of your account, withdraw money from automatic teller machines. Credit cards as such do not exist in France. Hence, you have to make sure your account is sufficiently funded. Fees depend on the type of card you have chosen: international or national, with immediate debit on your account, or postponed payment at the end of the month.

 

 

Cash

You can withdraw cash in ATMs or in cashier’s desk (please note that, in France, no all bank agencies have a cashier’s desk). To withdraw cash from ATM’s you need to type a 4-digit pin number.

 

 

Travelers cheques

Travelers cheques are not very convenient in France as it can be complicated to change them. Nevertheless, if you plan to bring some, please note that:

- they’re not accepted in shops

- to change them into money, you have to go to Lille Flandres station, at Western Union.

Opening hours – Mon-Fri: 8am-6pm. Sat: 10am-4.30pm. Sun: 10am-3.30pm

- exchange fees can be high

 

 

Currency exchange

You can exchange money in few sites in Lille:

- Western Union, in Lille Flandres station – Opening hour : see above.

- République Central Post Office, 8 place de la République. 

Opening hours – Mon-Fri: 8am-7pm. Sat: 8.30am-12.30am

- Lille Tourist Office, place Rihour. Warning! Only from GBP to EURO (£à€)

Please, be careful about the exchange fees that can be high.

To get information about the current exchange rates, click here.