Paris: Money-Saving Tips

• Don’t purchase Euros before arriving in Paris. Depending on the exchange rate — which fluctuates daily — you can save up to 8 or 9 percent over what you might pay at an American bank. Instead, look for an ATM machine in the airport. Check with your bank to make sure your debit card can be used outside of the U.S. and to find out what the fees are for withdrawing cash internationally. It’s also a good idea to notify your bank that you will be using your debit card outside of the country so it won’t raise any red flags.

Travelers’ Tip: Before you leave, you may want to shorten your PIN to four digits because many machines abroad only accept codes of this length. In addition, many European machines only have numbered keypads, so make sure you know your code by number instead of by letter.

• If you plan to use your credit card for purchases, proceed with caution. Plastic is accepted virtually everywhere making it an easy way to pay, but many banks charge an additional fee for “converting” purchases in foreign currencies. (Your purchase will be charged in Euros, but the bank then charges you for “converting” the Euros into dollars.) Check with your credit card company to make sure you know what fees you’ll incur. It’s also a smart idea to let them know you plan to use your card out of the country.

• While Paris is a city best enjoyed on foot, you’ll want to take advantage of the Metro (le Métropolitan) for long treks or to get from one side of the city to another. Single tickets cost €1.40 but a better value is a carnet of ten tickets for €10.90 which can be purchased from vending machines or ticket windows in each station.

• Live like a Parisian: Stay off the beaten tourist paths and look into short-term apartment rentals on Craigslist.org or FUSAC, the France USA Contacts Web site. You’ll get an amazing feel for the neighborhood as well as save on food, toiletries and other items because the local shops that serve these areas offer better bargains than those in more touristy parts of town. And you can’t beat the simple (and inexpensive) pleasure of running out for fresh bread and cheese for a quick and delicious bite.

• Check for discounted hotel rates on Expedia, Travelocity and Orbitz. If you haven’t already booked your airfare, search for air/hotel packages, which may yield extra savings over the cost of booking each separately.

• Try out one the newest methods of transportation in Paris: grab-and-go bikes you can rent by the hour, half day or day. Velib’s fleet of bicycles — which is projected to number over 20,000 by the end of the year — is stationed all over the city. While not the high-tech machines you’ll see in the Tour de France, these bikes are sturdy and ideal for maneuvering city streets. Bikes are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To rent one, simply swipe your credit card and pedal away. You can return your ride to any station, no matter where you originally picked it up. Bonus: Your first 30 minutes are free if you’re interested in just testing your cycling skills before committing to more time on two wheels.

© Cheapflights Ltd Laura Winger