ATM @ CDG or in Paris

Wait until you get into the city. As to the "brand" of ATM, the best one might depend on where you bank in the US. I use any ATM that I come across that is a bank ATM and have never had a problem. I use a no-fee CapitalOne360 or Schwab debit card for travel.

The taxi in the official queue at CdG will likely accept your credit card for the fixed-rate ride; ask before you get in. Then, once you are settled in your hotel, you can find an ATM in a calm place. Use a bank-operated ATM, preferably one inside a bank (for street security). Do not use the machine in the corner of a bistro, where there could be extra fees or a poorer exchange rate. Bank ATM rates will be the same exchange rate as at the bank itself. Most fees are charged by your home bank although there are exceptions. Avoid "dynamic conversion" where the ATM proposes to make the exchange; let your home bank handle the exchange.

I always look for a bank ATM machine, and they're most often in airports and train stations.

What not to use is Travelex or American Express which charge very high exchange rates.

And like was previously said, cabs often take credit cards even with an upcharge for their cost of using it. And ticket machines at train stations and subways all take credit and debit cards.

I still travel on credit cards, and seldom use the ATM card to get much cash. Europe is a much more credit/ATM card place than the U.S.

Why shouldn't we use an ATM in the airport if it is a bank-operated one? Does it give worse exchange rate than the ones in the city?

The reason I suggested waiting until the OP gets to Paris is because why waste time looking for a bank ATM at CDG when you have enough euros (or a credit card) for the taxi fare when it feels like there is a bank with an ATM on just about every block in Paris.

It is for eventualities as this that you have ample Euro cash on you. You take the taxi, when it is paying time, what happens if the driver insists on cash, will not take your credit card, gives you some fairy tale that his hand held credit card machine is not working (true or not, you don't know), argue with the guy in English. He'll just clam up. If one spoke French comfortably well, maybe.

Bottom line: Just have the cash available and be done with it.

When I take the RER from CDG to my hotel at Gare du Nord opposite from the front of the station is a BNP bank with two ATMs.

To avoid unnecessary fees, always use bank ATMs which only distribute cash. Any fees come from the exchange network (typically 1%) used by ATM card and from your local bank.

There are no BNP ATMs at CDG. Travelex now has the ATM contract (they charge fees), but there is one bank ATM in terminal 2 (no fees), an HSBC ATM next to Baggages du Monde and the Sheraton Hotel.

Indeed, as Tocard has just explained, the main reason not to use an ATM at the airport is that the bank ones are so few and far between that you would take forever finding one.

I see. Thanks for the explanation on CDG ATMs. How about Orly west terminal (Orly 1-2-3)? Is it hard to find a bank ATM there, too?

Travelex has the ATM contract for the Parisian airports, CDG and ORY.

I know of no bank ATM at ORY. If you need cash, just use the Tavelex machine. It has a fee, but it will not be any more than what you would pay, in either direct cost or a less favorable rate of exchange, to obtain euros before you arrive in France.

Taxi will accept credit cards, there is a very limited need for cash at ORY.

Thanks for the information!
Based on my reading, it seems many taxi drivers prefer cash. I don't want to get into a complex conversation with a taxi driver after a 12 hour trip. I specifically got extra Euros in Austria in May for this purpose.
I will look for a bank ATM once I am in Paris. I like to have cash for small purchases and also to be prepared for unusual situations.

I didn't get any cash in Prague as I was advised against it by a local guide. Cash was almost unusable in Norway. But I don't think having Euros will be a disadvantage. Co-workers always love to get a European chocolate bar, they don't have to know I purchased it at the airport with some left over Euros. Or better yet, keep it for the next trip.

Taxi drivers may prefer cash but they are supposed to take credit cards. I pay cash but if you are in the legitimate line, you show your card to the driver and get a yes on paying by card before departing the airport.

On my last trip, I asked to pay with credit card before getting in the taxi at the proper queue. He said yes. Once I arrived at my destination, the credit card machine did not work. I paid with cash and felt this was a scam.

I would agree about it being a scam. If the driver says credit card is accepted, it is not your problem if the machine suddenly does not work when paying. I speak French but only English with taxi drivers in France. I shrug my shoulders and say I have no cash/Euros and repeat that they said they would accept my credit card. They have always given in and magically the machine is working again to accept my payment. RS money advice is very helpful.

There's a HSBC Bank ATM in CDG, Terminal 2 at the escalators heading down to the train station if you or anyone is heading in that direction.

@ bjhelder......That sounds very much what I experienced in 2007, the one and only time I took a taxi between the hotel in Paris and CDG, all other times were on the RER. Rather than get into a scene, even if the guy spoke any English, he could pretend that he didn't and just clam up on you, (what then?) , I just paid in cash.