What is the largest euro bill in Paris I should carry and get change back?

Our experience in continental Europe, and admittedly more Spain than France is that the smaller the bill, closer to the actual amount, the easier it is for all concerned. And yes, I would agree that most would rather wait for the correct change than change a bill. We absolutely hate getting 100 euro notes from ATMs and if we could avoid getting anything higher than a 20 we would.

I was not aware that French wanted exact change. I'm kind of glad that I didn't know that because it would have been another stressor. My rule of thumb was that I would never use a bill that was more than double the amount of the bill. One time I was given 100's at a cash dispensor. Usually you have an option to choose the denominations, but not this time. I tried to go into the bank to get smaller bills, but you needed to swipe their bank card. I believe it was Bank of Vienna. It was located in altstadt Salzburg.

I feel like the Italians take the cake in terms of not liking to make change. I wouldn't slap down anything bigger than a €20 for the purchase the OP describes. Good luck finding the coffee and croissant "to go" in Paris (kidding, sort of).

Do as you would in the States. No small merchant in any country wants to be short of change because some dufus handed him a 50 for a coffee when he had a five available. If you have no choice, apologize first to show you have some idea of what you're doing and the merchant will probably tell you it's ok or that he can't change the bill. Same rules as anywhere.

In the last 10 summer visits to Europe, I have never carried any currency bigger than about $20 US or EU. I always get my local currency from ATMs and have never gotten anything bigger than that. Guess I am just lucky. If I did I would not give a big note to anyone for a small purchase but would try to take it to a large store for a small purchase or bank for change.

I have noticed a number of recent questions revolving this issue. I agree that the hundred euro note is a potential problem but we have never had problems using 50E notes. Use them in places where they have a lot of cash - restaurants, grocery stores, etc. If we need to break a 50 we find that the hotel is the best place especially after mid day when people have checked out and paid their bill in cash. And as a guest they are willing to provide a little service.

Most places throughout Europe have banned €200 and €500 notes completely. Most places, in my experience in NL,DE,F,L,MC,I,B,A, are happy to get €50 notes pretty much anytime as long as it is not the croissant and coffee scenario or the €0.80 or €1 scoop of gelato. As others have said these guys really want as close as possible, and who can blame them?

I've been living in Paris for 8 years now and can think of only one time where I've had a vendor not be able to make change for me. You should be okay with 50 euro bills in most situations. Obviously supermarkets, department stores and other larger stores will have no problems taking 100 euro bills. Many ATMs now give you a choice of bill denominations when you withdraw money too.

I was at a jewelry shop in Montmartre once that would not make change from 40 euros on a 32 euro purchase. We had 31 euros, but not 32. I wanted the earrings enough that I put it on my credit card, which I HOPE cost them more than it would have to sell me the earrings for 31 euros.

Nobody does exact change like the Italians. You would think it was law or something. The worst example I found was standing in line at St. Peters to take the elevator up to the overlook. The line was probably 75-100 people deep and then we see the sign that says "exact change only please." And it wasn't like the cost was some even number of 5Euro or something....it was an odd number like 5 Euro and 20 cents. Somehow we just happened to have exact - but how bizarre for a major attraction for tourists that probably have all kinds of 20 and 50 Euro bills. We didn't experience that nearly as bad in France. But yeah, maybe a little. Too big of a bill and it puts a frown on their face. And with almost every purchase you seemed to get asked "do you have exact change?" - you shrug no and then they make your change without much ado. I get that they may have a limited amout of coins but when you are asked over and over and over again - you got to wonder, does no-one prepare for making change in the business world, esp in tourist areas?

Great to know! Thanks for your opinions, buying the Euros next week... sounds funny to 'buy' money!

It depends a lot on who you are asking to take the bill. A 50 for a 35 Euro dinner bill is rarely a problem. A 50 Euro note at a small shop is often a challenge. It does help to be a little apologetic if you ask someone to break a 50. The worst is Italy where it seems the only thing you get out of ATM's are 50's -- and no one wants them!

I've never had any problem using anything up to and including a 50. Admittedly I've never been to Italy.

Most if the ATM's in France will give you at least 1-2 50 euro bills. I have no problem using them in restaurants,museums,large department stores,or grocery stores. I rarely use my credit card in europe and like to pay everything in cash.
In Switzerland when you use a ATM you will get large bills in return. Seems like stores in Switzerland have no problem giving you change even using the 200 swiss francs. When I ask for 500 SF i usually get 2 200 bills and 1 one hundred bill.