Читать книгу Cycle Touring in France. Eight tours in Brittany, Picardy, Alsace, Auvergne/Languedoc, Provence, Dordogne/Lot, the Alps and the Pyrenees онлайн

38 страница из 56

Money, Banks and Payphones

The euro is the only currency in France now, having replaced the French franc in 2002. Banknotes come in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euro denominations and coins in 1 and 2 euro denominations, as well as 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cent denominations (1 euro = 100 cents).

Banks are generally open from 9am to 4pm or 5pm from Monday to Friday, but some close for lunch, typically from midday to 2pm, especially in southern France where they may also be closed on Monday. Some banks open Saturday morning, especially if they are closed Monday. No bank is open on Sunday and they all close early the day before a holiday, often as early as midday.

French ATMs/cashpoints can be found outside and sometimes inside banks: look for the sign of a hand holding a card. In France there are now ATMs that let you select your language, but the code pads are numeric only. Most credit and debit cards are accepted, but you will probably be charged interest from the moment you withdraw cash using a credit card, while with a debit card you will be charged about 2 percent of the total withdrawn. Taking travellers' cheques with you to France is another option. These can be cashed in banks, but you will need your passport for identification purposes.