SAVING MONEY IN FRANCE
Are you considering visiting the beautiful country of France; desperate to absorb the art and culture of Paris or the historic sights and sounds of Avignon? With France being one of the most expensive holiday destinations, you can never be short of money saving tips to ensure you get the most out of your Euros.
Buy your Euros online
Try to avoid buying your Euros last minute at airport bureaus; once you’re there, you’re captive and constrained to extortionate rates. Expect markups of 10% + away from the ‘real exchange rate.’ In real money terms, this could cost you £50 on every £500 you purchase. Banks and post offices offering 0% commission may sound tempting but even they tend to sell money at poor rates. Think of 0% commission as somewhat of a marketing gimmick. The rate, and the rate alone will distinguish between a good or bad currency deal.
Try to avoid buying your Euros last minute at airport bureaus; once you’re there, you’re captive and constrained to extortionate rates. Expect markups of 10% + away from the ‘real exchange rate.’ In real money terms, this could cost you £50 on every £500 you purchase. Banks and post offices offering 0% commission may sound tempting but even they tend to sell money at poor rates. Think of 0% commission as somewhat of a marketing gimmick. The rate, and the rate alone will distinguish between a good or bad currency deal.
As a starting point, try to use a comparison site to compare euros & the fairest and cheapest deals. MyTravelMoney.co.uk help you compare live euro rates.
Eat out, in the parks
France may be home to incredible cuisine and of course you will want to experience a French restaurant on at least one occasion but be prepared for extortionate prices on ‘Prix Fixe Menus’! Do not despair, France is also world famous and renowned for some of the most magnificent food markets, bringing you fresh cheeses and native wines for as little as €10! If that isn’t enough, you will be able to enjoy your ‘pic-nic’ in your own time in one of the many beautiful parks, watching the world go by like a true local.
France may be home to incredible cuisine and of course you will want to experience a French restaurant on at least one occasion but be prepared for extortionate prices on ‘Prix Fixe Menus’! Do not despair, France is also world famous and renowned for some of the most magnificent food markets, bringing you fresh cheeses and native wines for as little as €10! If that isn’t enough, you will be able to enjoy your ‘pic-nic’ in your own time in one of the many beautiful parks, watching the world go by like a true local.
Travel by train
The price of cabs in France rank similarly to London or New York so it probably won’t be your first option for transport! Instead, make the most of the cheap trains and get yourself a TGV pass in advance to make sure you get the cheapest fares. Rail passes give you access to over 1,400 stations across France so if you are planning to explore the country, booking these will ensure your trip is not only worth your while but will also save you a substantial amount of money.
The price of cabs in France rank similarly to London or New York so it probably won’t be your first option for transport! Instead, make the most of the cheap trains and get yourself a TGV pass in advance to make sure you get the cheapest fares. Rail passes give you access to over 1,400 stations across France so if you are planning to explore the country, booking these will ensure your trip is not only worth your while but will also save you a substantial amount of money.
Plan trips in advance
Most tourist attractions including museums and galleries across France will charge fairly steep entry fees; unlike the UK where we are lucky enough to benefit from free entry. Luckily there is a way round this if you have an idea of the places you want to visit. Most galleries in France hold a free or reduced entry evening which they will not advertise but will mention on their website; if in doubt, just give them a call.
Most tourist attractions including museums and galleries across France will charge fairly steep entry fees; unlike the UK where we are lucky enough to benefit from free entry. Luckily there is a way round this if you have an idea of the places you want to visit. Most galleries in France hold a free or reduced entry evening which they will not advertise but will mention on their website; if in doubt, just give them a call.
Accommodation: Avoid city centres
Though you might want to spend your stay in the hustle and bustle of the city or town you are visiting, you will find that there are substantial price differences between central locations and just a 10-minute journey to the neighbouring village. After a long day of sightseeing, you will probably be grateful for a slightly quieter location away from the buzz, ensuring you a good night’s sleep!
Though you might want to spend your stay in the hustle and bustle of the city or town you are visiting, you will find that there are substantial price differences between central locations and just a 10-minute journey to the neighbouring village. After a long day of sightseeing, you will probably be grateful for a slightly quieter location away from the buzz, ensuring you a good night’s sleep!
Hopefully these money saving tips have been useful and will make sure your trip to France as enjoyable as it should be!
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