Scam in FranceChanging money
Poor exchange rate when paying in foreign cash in France
How it works
A cashier accepts foreign currency but uses an unfavourable exchange rate. This can make the purchase cost more than paying in euros. It is a poor-value payment risk, not necessarily fraud.
Warning signs
- A shop offers to accept foreign cash.
- The conversion rate is unclear before you pay.
How to avoid it
- Pay in euros.
- Ask for the full euro price before paying.
- Check bank and withdrawal fees before obtaining cash.
If it happens to you
Ask for a receipt and an explanation of the conversion. Raise any unexplained charge with the business.
- Get somewhere safe. Do not chase a thief or start a fight. Call 17 or 112 if you are threatened or in immediate danger.
- Check what is missing. Contact your card issuer immediately to block stolen cards and flag payments you did not authorise.
- Secure affected accounts. If a phone or login code was stolen, change passwords and end unfamiliar sessions.
- Save evidence. Keep receipts, screenshots, messages, booking details and any driver or vehicle number.
- Report the incident to police. Ask for a report reference or written record for your bank or insurer.
- Contact your insurer and, if travel documents were stolen, your embassy or consulate. For a disputed Marseille taxi fare, take the driver's number to the Tourist's Office at 11, La Canebière.
Questions
What is the poor exchange rate when paying in foreign cash scam in France?
A cashier accepts foreign currency but uses an unfavourable exchange rate. This can make the purchase cost more than paying in euros. It is a poor-value payment risk, not necessarily fraud.
How can I spot it early?
A shop offers to accept foreign cash. The conversion rate is unclear before you pay.
How do I avoid poor exchange rate when paying in foreign cash in France?
Pay in euros. Ask for the full euro price before paying. Check bank and withdrawal fees before obtaining cash.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Ask for a receipt and an explanation of the conversion. Raise any unexplained charge with the business.
Where in France does this happen?
Businesses that accept foreign cash, especially in tourist areas and higher-end places.
How common is this scam in France?
Occasional. Pickpocketing and street scams are common concerns in France, especially in busy tourist areas and on public transport. Paris has several well-known tricks involving petitions, bracelets, tickets and bars; other risks include taxi overcharging, bag theft and drink-spiking.
Who can I report it to?
Police: call 17 or 112 for a crime-related emergency. For a non-urgent scam or theft, visit a police station and bring any evidence. National Police generally serve urban areas; the National Gendarmerie serves the countryside. Card issuer or bank: use the bank's official app or contact number to block stolen cards and report charges you did not authorise. Ride-booking app: cancel and report a driver who asks for login codes. Request a refund of any cancellation fee and report rides booked without your permission. Marseille Tourist's Office: for taxi overcharging, take the driver's number to 11, La Canebière, near Le Vieux Port, and speak to a representative. Staff can help seek repayment. Paris taxi complaint handler: record the taxi number from the sticker on the left rear passenger window. Keep it with your receipt and journey details when making a complaint. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate through its official contact details if your passport is stolen or you need consular help. Travel insurer: report the loss through the insurer's official claims channel. Keep police records, receipts and evidence of the loss.
What number do I call in an emergency in France?
Police: 17, European emergency number: 112, Medical emergency: 15, Fire brigade: 18.
Reviewed by @snuck