The EURO became the official currency of France on January 1, 1999. The EURO is now the national currency of the European Union member states (except the UK). As of June 15, 2004, the member states are Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Greece, Finland, France, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, The Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. The EURO has been in use since 1999 for bank transactions, but was not entered into public circulation until January 1, 2002 when the physical money was introduced. The franc, the former official currency of France, is no longer accepted (however, you may see that some price tags in France give the price both in EURO and in francs, to help those who still think in terms of francs!).

As of January 1, 2002, there are 8 EURO coin denominations and 7 EURO bill denominations in circulation. Coins are denominated in 2 and 1 EUROS, and then 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cent (sometimes called centimes in France, the old coin currency). Each member state decorated their own coins, but all coins are interchangeable within the 12 countries. Bills are denominated in 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 and they vary in color and size.

With the Euro in constant flux, please see www.oanda.com for up-to-date exchange rates.

While traveling, it may be helpful to carry a portable currency converter (found at travel stores). Sometimes in the form of a keychain, this is a handy gadget (like a calculator) into which you enter the exchange rate (depending on the exchange rate at the time and the country in which you are located) save, and then simply enter prices and the device converts the amounts into dollars.

Former students have given us some idea of what you should expect to spend per week while in France. Due to the change in rates of exchanges and differences in individual spending habits, we can only give you estimated figures. However, most students seem to spend around $200 per week. This figure does not include extra traveling or heavy shopping. Please keep in mind that some students spend less and others spend more.

Bring a money purse that can be worn around your neck or waist, underneath your clothes. You should never keep money or credit cards in an obvious place.

Banks are typically open Tuesday-Saturday from 9:00 or 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 or 5:00 p.m., with a pause between 12 and 2p.m. for lunch. If open at all on Saturdays, the hours will be limited.

Former students have recommended that you plan to spend around $200 per week, as mentioned above. THIS IS JUST AN ESTIMATE. Again, each person has different habits and will spend a different amount. It is always better, however, to overestimate than to underestimate. To give you an idea, a list of common expenses and commodities is provided below.

Newspaper: 1.30 euros
Food and Drink:
Coca Cola: 3.50euros
Coffee: 2 euros (or 4 with milk)
Dinner (moderately priced restaurant): 15 euros
Film developing: 12 euros
Hair cut: 25 euros (women), 20 euros (men)
Car rental: 90 euros/day, 115 euros/weekend
Hotel: 75-90 euros
Hostel: 25 euros
Clothing:
Levis: 75 euros
T-shirt: 15 euros
Compact disc: 20 euros