Hi,
Just found out the banks don't carry Euros in the banks anymore and we are leaving to Paris on Monday!
Does anyone know if the Roissy bus in Paris take credit card or do I have to pay the fare in cash?
What about the taxi in the Paris, do they take credit cards?
Also, is the exchange rate for the ATM machine in the CDG airport, same or worse than the ATM machines located in central Paris? Is easy to find ATM machines in the airport and in the central Paris?
First....take a deep breath, let it out.....repeat.. :)
When you get off the plane and go through all the legal stuff at CDG(immigration, customs), you will find plenty of ATM machines. Go to just about any bank ATM (not Exchange Bureau) and take out Euros. The exchange rate is the same as in Paris. (If one ATM doesn't work, just try another. Some are finicky.)
Did you tell your bank you're going to Europe? If not, they may freeze your card. I'd suggest calling them and telling them the days you'll be away and where you are going. Also check to see what your daily limit is for withdrawal as you may want to increase it if it's small.
Jenny,
Relax, you'll be fine. To answer your questions:
EUROS: While Banks don't "carry" Euros (or other foreign currencies) as much anymore, they can usually order these in with a few days notice. As you're leaving on Monday that won't be an option, so you'll have to rely on the ATM's at CDG. For one example of an ATM location, have a look at parisbytrain.com (which will also give you a good idea on the transportation options). The ATM exchange rates should be the same, but I've never really checked? If you use an ATM affiliated with a major Bank, you'll get the best rate (I don't believe they have "white label" ATM's there?).
ROISSY BUS: Have a look at www.slowtrav.com/france/paris/airport_transportation.htm for all the details. It appears that you can pay the Driver or buy a ticket at Terminal 2D. Using the ticket machine shown may not be an option for you as it may require a "chip" credit card (I found that was the case with the ticket machines for RER tickets at CDG). Of course, there's a ticket office there too so that's an option instead of the machines.
I used the RER "B" for the trip from CDG when I was there a few months ago (I was glad that I had a "chip card" though, as the queue at the ticket office was horrendous!). I transferred to the Metro at Gare du Nord for the trip to Rue Cler. It was a very easy trip.
Hope you have a great time!
Jenny, Many of the banks located in international airports in the US do carry €'s but rate is much higher than ATM rates. Might be worth buying 50 or 100 € just to be safe. Would imagine Seattle International would have a bank or two that would have them. I just feel better having some when I hit the ground. Hope all works out as I will be arriving in Paris 9/8, taking the Roissy bus as well. Good luck and have a great time.
