France: using British credit cards

[Brigante9]

I'm going to France in a couple of weeks. We will be going to a hypermarket. Can I use a Mastercard? Do they have thd contactless system yet or do you still input a pin? TIA!

I heard a rumour that some
parts of France have electricity now.

Check with your provider that your card is covered to work abroad.

Yes, you can use a mastercard but you may have an exchange rate fee built into your transaction. Read MSE on credit cards for use abroad. He usually recommends a Halifax clarity card or a Barclaycard. Select to pay in Euros rather than £ as you will get a better rate on these cards. You can pay by contactless but think there is a limit (like in UK).

I couldnt pay on my Barclays debit card but could on Barclaycard when I went last week! debit card fully funded so not declined on that reason

I got a monzo, then there were no exchange fees

Use your credit card and make sure your are charged in euros, may need to alert your bank but this may be done on line.

Contactless up to 50€.

Sometimes British cards can be a problem at out of hours petrol stations

Get on money saving expert. There's big variation in how much credit card companies charge for you to use abroad.

Marking place. Handy thread, thanks OP.

I have a Halifax card, we used to do lots of American trips.