Where should I go to get Euros in Paris? I am flying into CDG.

Go to the nearest ATM machine and use your debit or ATM card to get Euros. That's by far the cheapest way to get Euros. Note that you should notify your credit union or bank before leaving that you will be traveling in Europe. You might also ask them what it costs to use your ATM card over there. European ATM machines won't charge you anything, but your credit union or bank might - and they may charge you a conversion fee. Credit unions typically charge 1% conversion fee or less, but many banks charge 3% (plus an ATM fee per use) for withdrawing money at foreign ATMs. That will still probably be cheaper than changing cash for Euros in Europe.

Excellent answer!! You should work for a travel service.

When we land at CDG from the US this is our plan. When you exit the arrivals hall (after luggage pick up and customs) look to your left. There are ATM's right there to exchange for Euros in the manner suggested above. You will find ATM's all over the place for easy access to funds.

We use a Capitol One credit card and inform them ahead of time of our travel locations.

If you must change cash, pay very close attention to the exchange rates displayed -- there are really enormous variations.

The REAL thing is don't exchange cash!! you LOSE!!

TPAYT: <i>When we land at CDG from the US this is our plan. When you exit the arrivals hall (after luggage pick up and customs) look to your left. There are ATM's right there to exchange for Euros in the manner suggested above. You will find ATM's all over the place for easy access to funds.

We use a Capitol One credit card and inform them ahead of time of our travel locations.</i>

I assume you are making two separate statements: 1) you'll use your bank ATM/debit card to withdraw Euros when you get to CDG, and 2) you'll use your Capital One credit card for purchases - not in an ATM for cash advances, which would be very expensive.

Yes yes yes, I know about using my ATM card. But is there an actual currency exchange counter in CDG airport, if my travel companion does not have an ATM card? Not everyone does, you know.

Your travel companion needs to move to the 20th century (sic) and get an ATM card.
It is really really hard to find exchange offices--although probably not at the airport. BUT for the rest of your trip you are going to be looking for the post office (who knew), or a particular national bank branch with specific hours, etc.
HOWEVER, you CAN get money from your credit card in a bank at a very inflated rate of interest if push comes to shove.

In addition to what Gretchen points out, no bank in France will have anything to do with your companion unless he/she has an account at that bank. Moreover, banks pretty much don't do foreign exchange now...guess why? Once past the airport, yYour companion will be tromping all over looking for exchange booths, of which there are fewer and fewer all the time...guess why?

***Your travel companion needs to move to the 20th century (sic) and get an ATM card.***

Gretchen, I think that's just a tad bit harsh. You don't know me, and you don't know my travel companion... and you don't know the circumstances of our upcoming trip to Paris. I'm sorry you feel that way.

I might also note that ATM cards can be compromised, and thus not work. I've not had that problem (knock on wood) on my many trips to Europe each year. Cash as a backup comes in handy. Surely there must be a few places in a big city like Paris where dollars can be exchanged for Euros. DH and I have no trouble exchanging US $ for Francs in Switzerland.

The OP doesn't specifically say, but he/she might also be wanting to exchange dollars.

The OP responded positively to my suggestion to use an ATM card.

I always carry some US dollars with me as a backup, in case my ATM cards don't work (I've been taking two with me the last few trips - I have two different accounts). But I too have never had a serious issue with my ATM cards in Europe. Once or twice I've had an ATM card rejected for no obvious reason in one machine but in another machine five minutes later it worked fine.

As noted, it's impossible to enter a regular bank in France unless you have an account, or go with someone who does have an account and can vouch for you. There are a few Currency Exchange places still around, but very few and far between.

One of the main issues in exchanging currencies is, at least in France, Spain and Portugal, that it's difficult for a local to exchange US Dollars for Euros outside of the airport, so why would anyone accept US Dollars. But in simpsonc510's case, apparently the Swiss are still clinging to old habits.

Exchanging currencies went out for most people back in the 90's with the advent of the ATM.

Casinos in Vegas will exchange just about any currency!

In Germany, way off the beaten path, DH and I searched and searched for an ATM!! We finally found one in the train station. And this was in a large city, not a small village. This was about 8-9 years ago (since my 2004 retirement). And there was absolutely nowhere to change dollars. We talked to any number of local citizens about this. The next time we went to this area, we always had plenty of Euros in hand. In the last few years, we've found new ATMs at a new-ish local mall, so this German city is finally joining the 21st century, I guess?? Looking forward to visiting this area this November, once again.

Switzerland has plenty of ATMs everywhere. We use them daily. But we also appreciate walking into a bank and trading dollars for Francs. We just did this in March, in Lucerne.

Still wondering if the OP will return and tell us if he/she is exchanging dollars (as the thread title suggests) or looking for an ATM (which is not mentioned in the title).

Sorry, Andrew. I didn't see the OPs reply. I read it, but didn't notice that it was that person! My mistake.

<<Casinos in Vegas will exchange just about any currency!>>

Swell, but what relevance does that possibly have to traveling in Europe?

We're talking Americans here, traveling non-stop since retirement. Relevance doesn't come into play!

Simpson, you sound a bit out of it.. not sure what you are saying.. your old trips and experiences don't have much bearing on things now.. you do realize 2004 was 9 years ago... Bringing a was of American cash and using exchange booths is simply not good sense.. the rate is terrible and they are hard to find. . whats hard to understand about that?

And what goes on Vegas is weird all around , wouldn't brag to much about how they do stuff there.. lol

OP , Be normal, take your ATM card and get money at the many many ATMs all over the place. I usually like to arrive with about 100 euros , I often have left over from other trips, if not I buy some at home, that way I can just leave airport right away ( after a 20 hour travel day I just want to get to hotel!) and then I find an ATM in area when I arrive .

When I arrived at CDG last month and exited customs, etc., for the first time ever I didn't even bother going to an ATM! I had about 12 Euro in my pocket from a previous trip, but I bought my RER ticket with my Visa card and didn't need to visit an ATM until I got into Paris proper.