Currency Exchange CDG

All currency exchange occurs at rip-off rates. There are both ATMs and CE at CDG - here is a link with specifications:
https://www.parisaeroport.fr/en/passengers/at-the-airport/services/bank-airport-currency-exchange/cdg

But a quick check on-line shows their current exchange rates at $100 to 60.62€ which is a huge difference versus the straight exchange rate of more like 85€ or 86€ which is bad enough.

Just use an ATM at the airport to get money. This goes against the usual advice to only use an ATM physically attached to a brick and mortar bank to avoid extra fees, but in this case it seems you don't have a choice. It won't be fee free - withdrawals never are which is why you should minimize the number of times you do it.

The most important thing is making withdraws - and any big credit card charges - is to always refuse an offer to convert the charge to dollars for you. This exchange will never to be to your advantage versus the bank rate of conversion.

Enjoy Paris despite the painful euro strength against the dollar right now,
=Tod

I don't think its the custom to tip taxis, drivers, etc.?

And yes, withdraw cash at your destination from a bank affiliated with your bank, preferably during bank hours. Decline currency conversion. Do not use Euronet

“Currency exchange” and ATMs are two COMPLETELY different processes.

Currency exchange offices are where you take US dollars to convert to local currency. You get a terrible exchange rate and pay high fees. Do not do this.

Go to an atm that is owned by a bank. Even at an airport. Use your debit card to withdraw some cash. Decline the conversion offer. You will get euros. There may be a small fee (€3? Depending on your bank) but it is a set fee per withdrawal. You need less cash than you might think, so withdraw €100 and see how long it lasts you.

First of all, rather than arranging a private driver, just take a taxi from the taxi rank at CDG. There is no advantage in hiring private transfers; in fact the're most often more expensive.

Second, tipping is not part of the culture in France. Please don't assert our cultural norms in foreign countries. There is no reason to tip any driver, waiter or anyone else unless he/she performs very far above their usual job level. You might round up to the next euro in a restaurant, but that should be the extent of "tipping".

Third, find out what network your bank belongs to and use an affiliated ATM in Paris to withdraw euros. European banks do not charge ATM fees.

Yes, I would simply take a Taxi Parisien, unless your destination is outside Paris.

Yes, the ATMs at CDG charge a fee. I believe it is 3% on top of what your bank charges.

No, never tip drivers.

Here are two circumstances when I have tipped cab drivers. I had my arm in a cast and he came into the apartment lobby and got my luggage; I forgot to leave a key and we had to loop back to the apartment for me to drop it off before heading for CDG (he could have charged me for that but didn't) i.e. above and beyond. Cabbies are not normally tipped.

Cab from the official queue is definitely the way to go; if you miss your driver they will bill you and blame it on you. and cabbies have access to special bus/cab lanes that private drivers don't.

Hello,
The Official Taxi rank at the airport is efficient and there is a flat rate into Paris depending on what "bank" left or right you are going. Do not let anyone inside the airport approach you asking if you need a taxi (they will) just keep walking until you exit and go straight into the official taxi line (there will be signage) ...no need for a private driver and like the other posters say tipping is not a thing in Europe because they get paid a living wage unlike the hard working people in the USA :(

If you are not familiar with CDG, and worry about finding the official taxi line, they now have foot steps painted on the floor that lead you right to the official stand. Even if there is a line (there often isn't), it moves very fast. As others mentioned, it is a fixed rate, no need to tip and the official taxis can use the taxi/bus lanes which are quicker. If you get an unscrupulous taxi driver that claims his "meter is broken," simply call his bluff, say credit card of nothing, and it will suddenly start working just fine. The working meters are required by law and those drivers are really just trying to avoid declaring the income (not that I blame them, French taxes are outrageous, but they're not my personal friends and I feel no compulsion to comply with their scheme).

Thanks all! I guess my question was interpreted by some to be about the taxi line or if I should tip private drivers. I understand and appreciate your replies. My question was mainly about getting some Euros and the best place to do so... at home, at an ATM at CDG, needing to find a bank somewhere. If I refocus the question this way...
Is and ATM in the airport as safe and about the same cost as finding an ATM actually at a bank for using a card to get Euros?
Thanks!

I think you will find that you need very little cash. Your best bet is an ATM affiliated with a bank that is in the same network as your bank, and best during banking hours. That said, if it makes you more comfortable to get cash at the airport, I wouldn't worry about that too much. I don't think the $$ difference is worth losing sleep.

Is and ATM in the airport as safe and about the same cost as finding an ATM actually at a bank for using a card to get Euros?

Not sure what you mean by "safe", but you'll pay a premium to use the Travelex ATMs at CDG.

The best deal, at no cost to you, is to use a bank ATM in Paris. Specifically at these banks:

• LCL
• La Poste
• BNP
• CCF

The ATMs at the airport are safe to use, but will probably come with a small convenience fee, but if you can't wait for a bank attached ATM you don't have much choice. The conversion and and any fees your bank charges will happen all stateside and be handled by your bank. To make the fees worth it take out money as few times as possible by taking out larger amounts fewer times.

Much in France can be paid by credit card simply using the tap function which also goes for phone and other proximity payment systems. Places like street markets are often cash only or have a minimum for charges like 10 or 15e which you probably won't make buying some peaches at one, bread at another and then olive and tapenade from another stall. I tend to use more cash (both at home and abroad) but I have been trying to break that habit abroad because of the expense of getting money overseas. I know any bank fees are a tiny cost versus the expense of whole trip, but if you can avoid them then you should.

Have a great trip,
=Tod

My wife and I have been in France since mid-June. So far we've spent a total of 53 euros in cash, mostly at street markets (and a lot of those vendors take cards if you're spending at least 20 euros).

I'm the OP is familiar with banks and credit unions who offer fee-free ATM withdrawals worldwide, notably Schwab Bank. My Schwab account is a great comfort to me.