Fuel Prices and Euro Exchange Rates

Whilst a trip to France still represents good value, the rising cost of fuel and a stronger Euro against the pound are having an impact on the budget for such a trip. Wine, French beer and many foods still are at attractive prices, and in general hotel and restaurant prices are significantly lower than the equivalent in the UK. Rail prices are much cheaper – although beware of strikes!

see latest €uro exchange rates and travel money in France

latest indicative rates:

see current Petrol/Diesel prices in France

Euro (€): The French currency:

• Notes: 500/200/100/50/20/10/5
• Coins: 2€/1€/50 cents/20c/10c/5c/2c/1c
• The Euro is divided into 100 cents, or centimes.
• Prices in France As a rule, prices for most goods and services, including hotels and restaurants, in the French regions are significantly less expensive than in Paris. There are also significant discounts for senior citizens, students and children under 18 for domestic transportation, museums and monuments, and for some leisure activities (cinema, etc.).
• Restaurants Restaurants usually charge for meals in one of two ways: a prix-fixe menu (also called a “menu”). This includes two or three courses (with cheese and/or dessert, and sometimes a half-bottle of wine) for a stated price. Or you can order “a la carte”, which is generally more expensive.
• Cafés Prices at cafes can vary considerably depending on location as well as where one is seated in the establishment (standing at the counter or sitting at a table). Prices in areas that attract many tourists (for example, the vicinity of the Champs-Elysees and around Notre Dame) tend to be more expensive.
• Tipping in France Almost all restaurants include tax and a 15% service charge (service compris) in their prices. If a meal or service has been particularly good, leaving another 2-3% is customary, as is leaving the waiter the small change from your bill if you pay in cash. If service is not included (service non compris) a 15% tip is appropriate. In hotels, tip porters approximately 1.50€ for each bag and chambermaids 1.50€ a day. Taxi drivers should be given 10-15% of the metered fare. Tip hairdressers 10%, assistant 5%. Small tips of around 1€ are reasonable for cloakroom and washroom attendants, ushers and museum tour guides. It is standard practice to tip tour guides and bus drivers after an excursion, generally 1.50-3.00€, depending on your level of the satisfaction.
• Bank Opening Hours Banking hours in Paris are usually from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Throughout the rest of France, banks are usually open from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Banks often close earlier the day before a public holiday.

Read more at: www.france.fr