Last updated on May 12th, 2026 at 11:26 am

Should I Carry Cash in Paris?

Yes — but only a small amount. In Paris, most payments today are made by credit card or contactless payment. Restaurants, shops, hotels, and attractions generally accept cards, which makes traveling around the city very convenient.

However, there are still situations where having a little cash can be helpful, especially for small purchases or places that prefer coins and small bills.

Understanding when to use cash and when to use a card can make your trip smoother.

The Short Answer

💳 Most places accept credit cards
💶 Small amounts of cash are useful
🥐 Some small purchases require coins
📱 Contactless payment is very common

Most travelers only need €20–€50 in cash during a typical day in Paris.

When Cash Is Useful in Paris

Although cards are widely accepted, some situations still favor cash.

Examples include:

• Small bakery purchases

• Street markets

• Small cafés

• Public toilets

• Tipping small amounts

For example, buying a single croissant or espresso may be easier with cash.

Many small shops may also have minimum card payment limits.

Do Cafés Accept Cards?

Most cafés accept cards, but some small cafés prefer cash for very small orders.

For instance:

• Espresso at the bar: €1–€2

• Croissant: €1–€2

In these cases, paying with coins can be faster and easier.

Are Credit Cards Widely Accepted?

Yes.

In Paris, cards are accepted in most places such as:

• Restaurants

• Hotels

• Clothing stores

• Museums and attractions

• Supermarkets

The most commonly accepted cards are:

• Visa

• Mastercard

Contactless payment is extremely common in the city.

What About Public Transportation?

Public transportation systems like the Paris Metro accept card payments at ticket machines.

Visitors can usually buy tickets using:

• Credit cards

• Contactless cards

• Smartphone wallets

However, if you buy tickets at small kiosks or local shops, cash may sometimes be useful.

How Much Cash Should You Carry?

You don’t need much.

A good daily amount is usually:

• €20–€50

This is enough for small purchases or emergencies.

Carrying large amounts of cash is unnecessary and not recommended.

Are ATMs Easy to Find?

Yes.

ATMs are widely available across Paris.

You can find them:

• Outside banks

• Near metro stations

• In shopping streets

• In airports and train stations

Using ATMs from major banks usually offers better exchange rates than currency exchange offices.

Is It Safe to Carry Cash in Paris?

Paris is generally safe, but like any large city, you should remain cautious in crowded areas.

Basic precautions include:

• Keeping money in a secure wallet

• Avoiding displaying large amounts of cash

• Staying aware in crowded tourist areas

These simple habits help prevent problems.

Should You Use Cash or Card for Restaurants?

Most restaurants accept cards without any issue.

Service is included in restaurant bills in France, so tipping is optional.

If you wish to leave a small tip, you can:

• Add it when paying by card

• Leave a few coins in cash

Both are common.

Tips for Managing Money in Paris

To make payments easy during your trip:

✔ Bring a credit card (Visa or Mastercard)
✔ Carry a small amount of cash
✔ Use contactless payment when possible
✔ Withdraw cash from bank ATMs
✔ Avoid exchanging large amounts of money at airports

These simple steps help travelers manage money efficiently.

Final Answer: Should I Carry Cash in Paris?

Yes, carrying a small amount of cash in Paris is useful for small purchases, bakeries, markets, and places with minimum card payments. However, most restaurants, shops, and attractions accept credit cards and contactless payments. For most travelers, a mix of card payments and a small amount of cash works best.

In modern Paris, cards do most of the work — but a few euros in your pocket can still come in handy.