Differences

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--- paris_yank:go:nice:eat:manage_your_cash [2025/08/24 06:05] – [Can You Pay by Bank Card Most of the Time?] parisyank
+++ paris_yank:go:nice:eat:manage_your_cash [2025/08/24 06:53] (current) – [Euro Checkbook] parisyank
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-======  Personal Cash in France ======
+====== Cash in France ======
 Managing cash in France requires a mix of preparation and awareness of local banking practices. Here's a detailed guide to ensure smooth transactions and avoid common pitfalls:
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 ===== How Much Cash Should You Carry? =====
 Carrying a small amount of cash is practical and avoids unnecessary risks. Suggested amounts:
-  * **Daily Budget**: €20–€50 is usually sufficient for minor expenses.
+  * **Daily Budget**: €10–€50 is usually sufficient for minor expenses.
-  * **Emergency Reserve**: An additional €50–€100 stored safely in case of card issues or emergencies.
+  * **Emergency Reserve**: An additional €50–€100 stored safely in case of card issues or emergencies. We carry enough of emergency cash to return home by taxi, just in case. Home reserve is several hundred euros for those very rare emergencies.
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@@ Line 56: / Line 56: @@
   * Be precise when entering your PIN; after three incorrect attempts, your card may be blocked.
-==== Avoid Card Blocks ====
+==== Avoid Blocking your Card ====
   * Notify your bank of your travel plans to prevent transactions from being flagged as suspicious.
   * Use cards with international chip-and-PIN compatibility.
@@ Line 79: / Line 79: @@
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-=====4. Dealing with Card Issues=====
+=====4. Dealing with Card Problems=====
 ==== Blocked Card ====
   * If you accidentally block your card, call your bank’s 24-hour helpline. Most international cards have a support number printed on the back.
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-======  Carrying & Spending Cash ======
+======  6. Carrying & Spending Cash ======
-=====6. Managing Cash=====
   * **Carry Some Cash**: While cards are widely accepted, smaller businesses, and markets may prefer cash. Often tips are preferred as cash.
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 ====Contactless Payments====
 Widely accepted in France, especially for small purchases (with a limit €50 per transaction).
+----
+===== 7. Do you Really need a Checkbook? =====
+====US Dollar Checkbook====
+In a word, no, you do not need a US Dollar checkbook.
+  * **US Dollar Checkbooks** are totally valueless in Europe.
+  * **Why Carry a USD Checkbook?** Paris Yank does indeed carry a US Dollar checkbook in Europe but only for super emergency events. For example, If there is a family event and I must return to the US from a location other than home, I have a USD checkbook at home and one hidden in my luggage. This would be a very rare situation.
+====Euro Checkbook====
+Checks in France are still being used. But less and less frequent. A visitor will never need a euro checkbook.
+  * ** Medical Providers** such as Doctors and Dentists sometimes require either a check or cash for co-payments.
+  * ** Deposit ** as a check is sometimes requested but it is rare.
+If someone asks for a check, I always complain and ask why they make it difficult. The answer varies such as card payments are expensive, etc. If I must, I give cash and dramatically lay out each bill and double count as a childish way to demonstrate that checks and cash are obsolete.