Thai baht, Moroccan dirham, South African rand, Hungarian forint or Indian rupee: these rarer currencies should be reserved in advance so you can be certain of leaving with your banknotes on the day of departure.
The US dollar, the pound sterling or the Swiss franc are almost always available immediately at a bureau de change. As soon as you move away from the major currencies, however, supply becomes trickier: the banknotes circulate in smaller quantities, some countries restrict their export, and demand in Paris remains occasional. This is precisely where online reservation changes everything. At Paris Change, a bureau de change approved by the ACPR (Banque de France) located at 4 Boulevard Saint-Michel, in the heart of the Latin Quarter, you can reserve from among our 53+ currencies and come and collect your order in store.
Why are some currencies "rare" in Paris?
A currency is not rare because it is worth little: it is rare because it circulates little outside its country of origin. Several factors come into play.
- Export restrictions. Some countries prohibit or cap the export of their national currency. The Moroccan dirham and the Tunisian dinar, for example, are so-called "non-exportable" currencies: on site, ATMs and local bureaux provide them, but it is difficult to accumulate large quantities before departure.
- Low demand volume. A currency such as the Hungarian forint, the Polish zloty or the Czech koruna is only requested intermittently from Paris. Bureaux therefore keep limited stocks rather than tying up cash that is rarely in demand.
- Bulky wads. For currencies with a low unit value (Indonesian rupiah, Vietnamese dong), a small sum in euros quickly turns into a voluminous wad, which complicates keeping permanent stock.
The concrete benefit of reserving in advance
Reserving online before stopping by the store gives you three simple guarantees. First, availability: the requested sum is physically prepared for you. Next, time savings: your order is waiting for you at the counter, with no restocking to wait for. Finally, clarity: you know exactly what amount you are coming to pick up, with no last-minute surprises. And at Paris Change, the exchange is carried out commission-free; the displayed rate is a counter rate (buy/sell), indicative and revised each day according to the market.
What lead times should you expect?
For the major currencies, collection is generally immediate. For the more exotic currencies, it is best to plan a few days ahead to allow time for supply, especially if you need a large amount or specific denominations. The golden rule: the more confidential the currency and the higher the sum, the wiser it is to reserve early. Before a big departure, allow plenty of margin rather than aiming for the evening before.
Examples of less common currencies among our 53+
- Thai baht (THB) — essential for Southeast Asia; Thailand remains very cash-oriented outside the major chains.
- Moroccan dirham (MAD) — a non-exportable currency: part of the cash is often obtained on site, but preparing your travel budget beforehand remains useful.
- South African rand (ZAR) — handy for tips and local markets during a safari or a stay in Cape Town.
- Hungarian forint (HUF) and Czech koruna (CZK) — these neighbours of the eurozone have kept their national currency; they are often underestimated when packing the bags.
- Indian rupee (INR), Vietnamese dong (VND), Philippine peso (PHP) — destinations where cash culture remains strong and where having banknotes ready on arrival avoids plenty of hassle.
The smart move: combine cash and on-site withdrawals
For most exotic destinations, the safest strategy is to set off with enough cash on hand for the first few days (the trip from the airport, first meals, tips), then to top up on site via local ATMs. Tips, precisely, are almost always paid in cash in these countries. Having a few banknotes from the moment you land saves you from depending on an out-of-service ATM or a closed counter.
Frequently asked questions
Are all currencies available immediately in store?
The major currencies generally are. For a rarer currency or a large amount, it is best to reserve online a few days ahead: we prepare your order for collection at 4 Boulevard Saint-Michel, with no wait.
Is there a limit on carrying cash abroad?
When entering or leaving the European Union, any transport of cash equal to or greater than €10,000 (or its equivalent in foreign currency) must be the subject of a customs declaration. Below that, no declaration is required, but always keep your exchange receipt.
Can I sell back my exotic currencies on my return?
Yes, we buy back a great many currencies. Note, however, that non-exportable currencies (such as the Moroccan dirham) cannot legally be brought back in quantity, and that coins are generally not taken back: plan to spend them on site.
Planning a trip off the beaten track? Check out our 53+ currencies, reserve yours online and come and collect it in our Latin Quarter store. We are at 4 Boulevard Saint-Michel (metro Saint-Michel line 4, RER B and C Saint-Michel–Notre-Dame), open 7 days a week: Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm and Sunday from 10:00 am to 7:30 pm.
