Can you use an American Express card in Paris? And where?
Contrary to popular opinion (and to that blog’s name), I do encourage visiting Paris – it is the City of Light. Just make sure to take one of these underrated day trips from Paris (there are some hidden gems in there). And most importantly, make sure you survive your trip.
Because traveling to Paris is exciting, but figuring out how to pay for things can be tricky when you have an American Express (Amex) card. American Express has worked very hard at better and wider acceptance in Europe so it is definitely much better than a decade ago. However, it’s still not totally there yet. Knowing whether your American Express card will work can save you time and stress. Below is a detailed guide to help you navigate Paris using Amex.
Hi! I’m Anya, founder of the travel blog Stop Going to Paris which focuses on underrated cities in Europe. I’m a passionate traveler but above all, a passionate adventurer always looking for the hidden gems that deserve more love.
After 10 years and 70+ destinations, I can help you plan your European trip: book a call with me. It includes a full itinerary with unique destinations, transportation, accommodation and activities.
Fun fact, I live in… drumroll… Paris! That’s why the name of the blog is funny.
Understanding American Express acceptance in Paris
American Express is widely recognized, but its acceptance across Paris varies. While it is possible to use your card in many places, it is not as universally accepted as Visa or Mastercard. Paris is an international city, so many businesses cater to travelers, but you should still prepare for exceptions.
Popular establishments that accept American Express cards
If you’re sticking to well-known or tourist-friendly spots, you’re in luck. Many upscale hotels, fine-dining restaurants, and luxury stores accept American Express. High-end department stores like Galeries Lafayette and Le Bon Marché often accept the card, too. Major tourist attractions and museums will also accept Amex.
Limited acceptance areas
Smaller, independent businesses like cafes, boulangeries, or boutiques may not take Amex. Payment processors for these businesses often charge higher transaction fees for Amex compared to other cards, making them less likely to accept it.
Street vendors and some budget-friendly establishments also typically prefer cash or other types of cards.
Using American Express in different payment scenarios
You’ll likely encounter a mix of experiences when trying to use your Amex in Paris. Here’s what to expect in specific situations.
Dining and shopping
When dining at mid-range to high-end restaurants, you’re more likely to find places that accept American Express. Restaurants, cafés and bars located around tourist attractions accept American Express. The best way to recognize these places is if they have big signage to attract tourists and (long) menus in several languages.
Retailers catering to international visitors, especially those targeting luxury shoppers, are generally supportive of Amex transactions: BHV, Le Bon Marché, Printemps, Galeries Lafayette. However, always check with the establishment before assuming your card will be accepted.
Museums and tourist attractions
You’re in luck, most big international attractions in Paris do accept Amex now. You don’t have to worry about how to pay for your ticket to the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, Disneyland, Moulin Rouge, Musée d’Orsay, etc. I’ve noticed smaller museums won’t accept it (Cluny and Dali museums for example), but you’re not likely to visit these. I would be more worried about attractions such as the local fair or the Christmas markets, where it’s a hit or miss (and more often than not a miss).
Public transportation and taxis
Paris has an excellent public transport system, including the metro, buses, and RER trains. Most ticket kiosks and automated machines only support Visa or Mastercard. Your Amex card may not work for these purchases. Here is a list of metro and bus stations that accept American Express.
For taxis, major providers often accept American Express, but this is not guaranteed. Ridesharing apps like Uber in Paris do accept Amex as a payment method.
Fees and charges associated with American Express
When using your Amex card in Paris, factor in potential fees that might impact how much you spend.
Foreign transaction fees
Some American Express cards charge foreign transaction fees, which are typically around 2-3% of the total purchase. These fees can add up quickly if you’re not paying attention.
However, many premium Amex cards, such as the Platinum Card, don’t charge foreign transaction fees. Check with your card issuer before your trip.
Dynamic currency conversion
Dynamic currency conversion is when merchants offer to charge your card in your home currency instead of euros. While it might seem convenient, this service usually comes with higher exchange rates and extra fees. Always choose to pay in euros to avoid unnecessary costs.
Alternatives to American Express in Paris
While Amex can work in many situations, it’s not always guaranteed. Having backup payment methods ensures you won’t run into issues when making purchases.
Visa and Mastercard options
Visa and Mastercard are accepted nearly everywhere in Paris. If you want more flexibility, carrying one of these cards is a smart choice. Most ATMs and businesses readily accept them, even in smaller towns outside the city.
Local payment methods
Cash is still widely used in Paris, especially for small transactions. You’ll often see in restaurants, bars, cafés and stores: “No cards till 10 euros”. That practice is widely accepted and applied to everyone, tourists and Parisians alike.
Carry some euros for emergencies or places that only accept cash.
Mobile payment apps like Apple Pay and Google Pay are now widely accepted in Paris, and many terminals accept these payment methods. However, mobile payments often rely on the acceptance of the card linked to your account.
My second-best tip on using your American Express card in Paris
My second-best tip on how to check if American Express will be accepted is this interactive map of places that accept Amex in Paris. However, I have had some surprises in the past, as the map is not updated fast enough to reflect reality, so beware.
My best tip on using your American Express card in Paris
My actual best tip on using American Express in Paris is to not rely on it at all. It’s probably not what you wanted to hear, but it’s unfortunately the truth about having an Amex in Paris (or in Europe, mind you). Have a backup plan: either get a Mastercard or Visa credit card, or get enough cash to get you through the whole trip. You don’t want to be caught in a situation where you’ll have already eaten your meal and cannot pay, or where you have to miss out on a great experience because of it. Trust me, that’s the kind of detail that can ruin your trip to Paris.
A quick recap on American Express card acceptance
Let’s summarize here where your Amex card will be accepted and where it won’t:
| Emplacement | Yes, it is accepted | No, it is not accepted |
|---|---|---|
| Hotels and accommodations. | International hotel and hostel chains, and boutique hotels often booked by Americans. | Boutique hotels catering to other French or European travelers. |
| Restaurants, cafés, bars and bakeries oriented towards a Parisian clientele. | Restaurants, cafés and bars in touristy areas, restaurants relying on an American clientele, Michelin-star restaurants. | Restaurants, cafés, bars and bakeries that cater to a Parisian clientele. |
| Museums/cultural sites/attractions. | International attractions: Eiffel Tower, Louvres, Disneyland. | Smaller museums like the Dali Museum, Cluny Museum, etc., or attractions like the local fair or Christmas markets. |
| Supermarkets and pharmacies. | Very few. | Most of them in my experience. |
| Transport. | Uber, taxis, some metro stations (it’s a gamble). | Private French bus companies, some metro stations. |
Conclusion
Yes, you can use an American Express card in Paris, but its acceptance is more limited than Visa or Mastercard. In my experience, it’s still a 70/30 on Amex acceptance in the city – be reassured, it’s 70% of acceptance vs. 30% of rejection. Still, we can’t ignore that 30%, so it’s best to prepare accordingly.
Stick to large, tourist-friendly establishments for the best chance of success. Be prepared with alternative payment options, such as a widely accepted credit card (Visa or Mastercard) or euros in cash, to ensure a smooth and problem-free experience. Planning ahead will help you enjoy everything Paris offers without worrying about how to pay for it.
Don’t underestimate this issue! And happy travels!
