Students can use CIRRUS and PLUS ATM cards in Paris as well as credit cards with a Visa or Mastercard logo. Most American banks impose a fee per cash withdrawal and most accounts are subject to a maximum per-day or per-week maximum withdrawal. For these reasons, relying on an American bank account in Paris is not always the most economical or efficient choice.

NYU in Paris has a longstanding working agreement with an established French bank, the HSBC, which offers students short-term checking accounts. Most students opt to open a French bank account that includes a French debit card and/or checkbook. Having an HSBC account in the States does not mean that you have an HSBC account in France, but it does facilitate money transfers. Please keep in mind that money transfers may take up to seven to ten business days.

NYU in Paris recommends that students arrive in Paris with access to at least 2000 euros - enough to pay for a first month’s rent and security deposit plus the first month’s spending money. The easiest and safest way to do this is with Visa Traveler’s Checks in euros. Traveler’s Checks can be exchanged at the American Express Office, change offices, or, if they are in Euros, deposited directly into a HSBC bank account. Please note that traveler’s checks CANNOT be used in lieu of cash to pay for rent or merchandise as they can in the US.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: studyabroadcoord3,