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The currency of France is the Euro, with one Euro equalling 100 cents. Notes come in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of €2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents. Money can be exchanged at some high-class hotels, larger train stations and at many banks. Traveller’s cheques are widely accepted, though to avoid additional conversion charges these should be in US Dollars, Pounds Sterling or Euros.ATMs are widespread through France and the majority of major international credit and debit cards are accepted. See:
Visa: http://www.visa.com/atms/
MasterCard: http://www.mastercard.com/cardholderservices/atm/ The import and export of both domestic and foreign currency is unlimited, though amounts over €5,000 must be declared. Business General banking hours in most areas are from 0900 to 1200 and 1400 to 1630 Mondays to Fridays, with few banks opening Saturdays. Normal shopping hours are usually from 0900 to 1830, with hypermarkets and certain department stores opening longer. Formal suits are expected of business meetings along with normal customs and politeness – punctuality is expected and a handshake along with kisses on both cheeks are the usual – if not stereotypical – forms of greeting. English is widely spoken in business circles, but a knowledge of French would be a great help. It is customary to tip taxi drivers, waiters, hairdressers etc. fifteen percent, and service charges are usually added to hotel and restaurant bills.
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