American Express, Museum Pass and Metro Pass for Paris Christmas-New Years

Ditto the advice on amex. Also, be sure to let your credit card company know you will be using it abroad, or they may flag it after the first use. ATMs in France are the best place to get your Euros, but be aware of daily restrictions. Capitalone is generally the best choice for exchange rates and low fees. Expedia dot com can be helpful on the museum and metro pass initially. That would avoid lines in the metro stations, especially if no one in your group speaks French. While most metro employees speak English, a few do not. Suggest http://us.franceguide.com/

To add a little clarity to the above postings. Visa and MCard are very widely accepted in Europe but, depending on issuing bank, may add a 3% currency conversion fee. The CapitalOne card does not and there may be others.

The best exchange rate for obtain Euro in Europe is with a debit card at an ATM that is linked to a checking account. Again, depending on the issuing company, additional fees from $1 to $5 and/or 1 to 3% of currency conversion fees MAY be added. Many credit unions, the Schwab debit card, and others do not add additional charges. The are no additional fees charged by European ATMs for usage so all of the added fees are determined solely by your the bank/company issuing your card. Check very carefully.

Use a credit card to withdraw cash from an ATM is even more expensive and should be avoid except in extreme emergency.

It is good practice to take two debit cards tied to two different account plus a couple of credit cards,

You AMX card will only be accept at fairly high end restaurants and five star hotels. It cannot be routinely used in Europe.

If you want to rent a Velib bicycle, as a US resident your American Express card is the only one that will work in the Velib kiosk.