Visa has put up a site that let's you search for the nearest ATM machine. Check it out!

This section is probably only relevant to people with bank accounts at NationsBank in the United States. Other friends of mine with Plus or Cirrus cards from Bank of America, Bank One and the IBM Credit Union had no problems using their bank cards in Paris.

Most ATM machines in Paris do not seem to accept NationsBank based bank cards. Plus, Pulse and Cirrus network symbols are curiously absent here. But there is some hope. Some post offices in Paris (and France) have ATM machines that accept Plus and Cirrus cards. Unfortunately, not all post offices have ATM machines. *WARNING HERE* Even though the post office machines have the PLUS symbol I have had no success with my NationsBank bankcard. So don't count on them.

As an alternative you should inquire with NationsBank about a debit card with a Visa symbol on it. NationsBank calls it a 'check card.' It is useful in the fact that the Visa card is universally accepted at ATM machines. Additionally, supermarkets will also take the Visa card so you don't have to carry lots of cash on you. The down side is that if the card is stolen it can be used to make purchases until you report it. But I have found cashiers have been pretty diligent on checking the signature.

Additionally, if you have an American Express card you can cash checks at the American Express office. The rates Amex gave were comparable, and in some cases better than some exchange centers. American Express didn't charge a commission on the exchange.

As a side note for those of you going to London on a trip I didn't have any problems using my NationsBank ATM card in London. 

Copyright @ 1995-1998 Alexandre Polozoff.  All Rights Reserved. 
Last Update December 5, 1998