Money isn’t the sexiest aspect of travel, but without it you don’t get very far. Get acquainted with Italy’s notes and coins, plus a few other crucial bits of information, and you’ll minimise the chances of awkwardness, theft or abuse. Here’s what you need to know.
Since 1 Jan 2002 like in many other European countries euro has become the national currency of France.
Currency
The Euro is now the official currency of 12 EU member states (including France). The first Euro coins and notes were introduced in January 2002; the French Franc was still in circulation until 17 February 2002, when it was completely replaced by the Euro. Euro (Euro) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of Euro500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of Euro2, 1 and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.
Banks
Banks are generally open from 8.30am to 11.45am and from 1.30pm to 4.30pm from Monday to Friday.
Closed on official holidays.
Telephone numbers to report loss or theft of major bank cards:
American Express : tel. 01 47 77 72 00
Carte Bleue Visa : tel. 01 42 77 11 90
Diner’s : tel. 01 49 06 17 17
Eurocard Mastercard : tel. 01 45 67 84 84
Telephone number to report loss or theft of cheque books : tel.08 36 68 32 08
Currency exchange services
A.A. Change
10 av Felix Faure : tel. 04 93 80 36 67
Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to 12.30am and from 2pm to 5.30 pm.
American Express
11 prom des Anglais : tel. 04 93 16 53 53
October to April : 7 days a week from 9am to 8pm
May to September : 7 days a week from 9am to 9pm
July-August until 10pm
Except holidays : from 10am to 6pm
Au Change Opera
1 rue St-Francois de Paule : tel. 04 93 80 86 00
Monday to Saturday from 9am to 6pm
Sundays in summer from 9am to 1pm
B.P.C.A.
Nice Airport: tel. 04 93 21 39 50
From 10am to 12am and from 1.15pm to 4.45pm
Change Gambetta
2 bd Gambetta: tel : 04 93 88 55 78
Monday to Saturday from 9am to 6pm - closed Sundays d
Change Or/Office Provencal
7 Av Thiers: tel.04 93 88 56 80
From 7am to midnight every day including holidays
10 rue de France- 04 93 82 16 55
From 9am to 6pm every day including holidays
Cheque Point
11 Pl Massena : tel. 04 93 62 34 15
From Monday to Saturday and holidays : summer from 9am to 7pm, winter from 9am to 6pm
Cofima
2 Rue de France 04 93 87 12 31
Open every day – Sunday mornings in winter, all day in summer.
Comptoir Financier Sauclieres
9 av Jean Medecin 04 93 87 82 62
From Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 6pm, Saturdays from 9am to 12.15am except holidays
Thomas Cook
12 av de Thiers : tel. 04 93 82 13 00
Tipping
Tipping is at the discretion of the individual. However, it is a generally accepted custom everywhere when served in a courteous, professional manner that a gratuity be given. The following information is given as a guideline only and is not intended to dictate what travelers should tip:
Restaurants: 10%-15%
Deluxe dining: 15% waiter, 5% captain
Taxicab driver: 10%
Hotel bellhop: $1 per 1-2 bags
Hotel doorman: $1 per taxi
Airport porters: $1 large bag, $.50 small bag
