Euro Bills and Coins for Paris Laundromat

Go to an ATM in Paris when you arrive and get euros out. Don't choose 50 euros or you may get a 50 euro bill. Choose 40 euros and you'll get two 20's. Then buy something small to ask for change. Most laundromats I've been to in the US have change machines - I'd be surprised if they don't at the Paris version also. Don't be surprised if they also accept credit cards. That seems to be a new trend. The last time I visited a laundromat in the US, I used my credit card not coins.

...... ATMs for money, but this gave bills in the country’s local currency and not Euros. ...... You are correct in that It will absolutely give local currency. And in Paris the local currency is the Euro. Every laundromat we have been in Europe has had a change machine and, often, will also have an attendant who will give change. And, sometimes, you can leave your laundry with the attendant who will wash and fold for a flat fee. Great time saver. And it possible that the ATMs machines in St. Pancras will give a choice of euro or pounds. I have seen that a few times near border stations. And ATMs in Paris are everywhere. Finding euro will be the least of your problems.

I’m puzzled as to what other coins you’d expect to use other than Euros in a Paris laundromat.

This:

What is your advice for obtaining Euro bills and coins? In the past,
I’ve used ATMs for money, but this gave bills in the country’s local
currency and not Euros.

...makes me wonder if you’re confused by your currencies. The local currency in Paris IS the Euro, and that’s what you’ll get from an ATM.

However, Euros are not the local currency in London so you won’t be able to use coins from that part of your trip in a Paris laundromat.

I haven't checked recently but for some years now many of the ATMs at St Pancras International station operated by Raphaels Bank offer a choice of receiving Pounds Sterling or Euro. The Euro are dispensed without any extra fees. I have a Euro debit card and when I asked for €100 it gave me exactly €100 and charged my (Citibank - UK) account exactly €100.

Their webpage doesn't help to locate them other than to note that there are three in tube station for Kings Cross St Pancras. I don't know if they have pulled them out of the station.

Then you can have a walk down the train to bar car and buy some nibbles, pay with a Euro note and receive smaller Euro notes and Euro coins. Maybe even ask them to give you coins instead of a €5 or €10 note. Sorted at 300 kph and before you ever reach Paris....

If you happen to be near a Speed Queen laundromat (I just checked and there are some in Paris), I used them in 2 different cities in Spain this year. Change machine, and nicely run.

Nigel, that is what I thought I remember when we passed through St Pancras a couple of years ago . But did not used the ATM so I was not sure about duel currency there. But still a little confused about the OP original statement.

Most launderettes I have used throughout Europe have change machines -- insert €5 or whatever the local currency is and you get coins that either work in the machines there or you can spend them elsewhere. Just like getting quarters at a US laundry. But don't try nd use US$ and get change, the machine will not recognize anything but the local currency which is Euro in Paris.

A large portion of those launderettes also have staff on premise that can help you with the right coins and a few will even do the laundry for you (for a small additional cost) so you loose minimal time from your sight seeing.

Thank you all for your responses. I was confused on my currencies. My apologies. I do appreciate your help!

HI,

St Pancras Station has ATMs, several of them. Two ATMs are near the music jukebox, where you can get Euro and GBP.

Many thanks!

Here's a fun idea...there is a laundromat near the Republique metro stop. It's called "Lavomatic". One of the dryers is actually a door to a speakeasy upstairs. Press the right button on the right dryer, go up the tiny, winding staircase and have a drink while your clothes wash and dry! Met a friend in Paris last summer and took her there...it's kind of quirky and fun. Go on the early side on a weeknight and it's not crowded.

Wish I had known about getting euros while in St Pancras, and breaking a bill for change while still there. The first thing we needed upon arrival at Gare du Nord was euro change for the restrooms there. Note to self for next time, get euros (or just use restroom on train before getting off).

Thanks for letting me know about "Lavomatic". That’s a neat idea. I also appreciate the reminder that change is needed for some restrooms.

in St Pancras, and breaking a bill for change while still there

You can't get euro coins in change in St Pancras that I am aware of. You can on the Eurostar train.

BTW, many laundromats in Europe, including one I used in Paris recently, have central payment machines. You note your machine number, go to the pay station and insert the currency and select the machine number. You often have to add more time for dryers which have short cycles.

Laurel, that has been my experience also. I will never forget one time in Bayeaux. I had never seen a central payment for all machines before and was VERY confused. A dear, elderly man (I am probably his age now.) with no English helped me via sign language and my very poor French. It was hilarious and something I remember fondly. I have since run in to these in other places in France and always send up a quick thanks to that dear man.

The last time I did laundry in Paris was a few years ago. I don't remember if the place had a change machine. I do remember that I had to provide my own detergent - ended up buying a fairly large box at the supermarket and leaving it for other customers. Now I travel with a small amount (either powder or individual capsules) and some dryer sheets too. In the last few years in other countries, the machines add their own detergent and fabric softener, whether you want it or not.

In the laundromat on my street, you can also purchase single doses of detergent and fabric softener from a dispenser. That is a drag that you had to buy a whole box, Chani!

And I noticed a couple of weeks ago while running errands in my former neighborhood that my old laundromat now accepts cards for payment in addition to cash. What a dream !! (Although “my” laundromat usually doesn’t have any problem making change).