Summary:
Wondering what currency France uses today? Here’s everything you need to know before your next trip or transaction.
For traders and investors, in the Eurozone, one common question persists: what currency does France use today? While the answer might seem straightforward, the journey to France's current currency reveals a rich history of economic decisions, international alliances, and policy shifts.
Whether you're visiting Paris or trading from afar, knowing the legal tender in France is essential.
So, what currency does France use today? The official currency is the euro, denoted as EUR (€). France adopted the euro in 1999 for electronic transactions and in 2002 for cash. Since then, the euro has replaced the French franc, which had been the country's currency for over two centuries.
The euro is now used across 20 of the 27 European Union (EU) countries, forming what is known as the Eurozone. France is one of the key founding members of this monetary union, and today the euro is the sole legal tender for all forms of payment in France.
When you arrive in France or make purchases online from French companies, all prices will be quoted in euros. From restaurant menus to metro tickets and financial contracts, the euro is used exclusively. While some major tourist locations might accept foreign currencies like the US dollar or British pound, this is the exception rather than the rule. The exchange rate may not be favourable either.
So once again, what currency does France use for everyday transactions? Only the euro.
Before the euro, France used the French franc (FRF). The franc had been in circulation since the late 14th century and became the country's official currency during the French Revolution.
In 1999, France joined the first wave of countries adopting the euro. At first, the euro was only used in digital form for banking and accounting. Then in January 2002, euro coins and banknotes were introduced. The transition was smooth, and by 17 February 2002, the franc was no longer accepted as legal tender.
Even though the franc is no longer in use, some older citizens and collectors still recall prices in francs. Occasionally, you might hear people refer to “centimes” – a term once used for fractional franc coins but now colloquially used for euro cents.
If you're handling cash in France, you'll encounter euro notes in denominations of €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200 and €500 (though €500 notes are rarely used). Coins come in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, and €1 and €2.
Each euro coin has a common reverse side (showing the coin's value) and a national obverse side. France's euro coins often feature national symbols such as Marianne, the iconic female figure representing liberty.
Internationally, France continues to trade in euros. As one of the largest economies in Europe, France plays a significant role in Eurozone exports and imports. French companies invoice and accept payments in euros, contributing to its stability as a currency of global relevance.
Some foreign transactions, especially in commodities or high-value goods, may involve the US dollar. However, within France and across most of Europe, the euro remains dominant.
An important nuance: not all French territories use the euro. While many do – such as Guadeloupe, Martinique, Réunion, French Guiana, and Mayotte – others have their own currencies pegged to the euro. For instance, French Pacific Territories like New Caledonia and French Polynesia use the CFP franc (XPF).
So, what currency does France use in every context? The answer depends on the specific territory, but in metropolitan France, it's exclusively the euro.
With France being a core part of the EU, the euro is deeply embedded in the country's financial, political and economic future. Despite occasional challenges such as inflation or debates over EU monetary policy, France remains committed to the eurozone project.
Digital developments are also on the horizon. The European Central Bank has explored the concept of a digital euro, and France is one of the pilot countries contributing to its design.
To sum up, if you're planning a trip, managing a cross-border payment, or trading in the European markets, there's only one answer to the question "what currency does France use" – the euro.
Whether you're using cash, card or online payments, euros are the standard. It is a stable, widely accepted currency that symbolises France's deep integration into the European Union.
Disclaimer: This material is for general information purposes only and is not intended as (and should not be considered to be) financial, investment or other advice on which reliance should be placed. No opinion given in the material constitutes a recommendation by EBC or the author that any particular investment, security, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person.
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