Can you pay in pounds sterling with a euro account from France?
Here are some helpful tips to avoid paying too much in fees when making payments in pounds sterling from a euro bank account.
How to pay in England and London if you live in France: what are the options?
What payment methods are accepted in England? If you live in France, can you pay directly in pounds without exchanging money first? And how can you avoid bank fees when spending in the UK? Here are the answers for expats and residents of France.
If you're looking for an alternative solution to pay for your purchases in pounds, consider the Wise card: you can spend in GBP and avoid hidden conversion markups when using your pounds.
Best ways to pay in England if you live in France
Here are the main options for paying in England when your bank accounts are in France:
- French bank card: The simplest option, but usually expensive due to fees and exchange rate markups.
- UK card: Payments are free, but you need a UK bank account, which is not practical if you live in France.
- Multi-currency card: Offered by Wise. You can pay directly in GBP, which helps reduce conversion fees compared to using a French card. The account also comes with a UK account number, making it easier to receive transfers if you work in England.
- Cash: Withdrawing pounds in England using your French card often comes with high fees and a poor exchange rate.
- Bank transfer: Useful for large payments such as rent or a car purchase. From a French bank, this means high fees and an unfavorable exchange rate. With a provider like Wise, you benefit from the mid-market rate and transparent fees.
Paying in England with a French bank card
Yes, you can use a French international payment card (Visa or Mastercard) in England. In most cases, it will be accepted, but always confirm with your bank if unsure.
Payments with a French card usually come with transaction fees and an exchange rate surcharge. This is standard with most traditional banks.
Watch out for dynamic currency conversion. Some shops may offer to charge you in euros instead of pounds. Avoid this option, as the exchange rate will be less favorable than your bank’s.
We recommend not to pay in euros in England unless you really need to see the exact euro amount. Using a multi-currency card is usually better. For example, the Wise card gives you the mid-market rate and no extra fees if you pay with GBP already in your balance.
How to pay rent in England if you live in France
If you are renting in England but based in France, here are your main options:
- Making a transfer in GBP from your French bank: Usually costly, with both transaction and conversion fees. Traditional banks also use a higher exchange rate.
- Cash payment: You would need to withdraw pounds in England or buy them at a bureau de change, which comes with high fees.
- Transfer from a UK bank account: Cheapest option, but requires opening a UK bank account — not always possible if you’ve just arrived.
- Multi-currency account: More practical for expats. With Wise, you can transfer at the mid-market rate. Fees are generally under 1% for major currencies.
Paying for a car in England with a French account
For large purchases like a car, most sellers will ask for a bank transfer (often SWIFT).
From a French bank, you can request the transfer at your branch or via online banking, but costs are high: you’ll pay transfer fees plus an exchange rate markup.
With a provider like Wise, you save significantly. Transfers are processed at the mid-market exchange rate with a small transparent fee, which is especially important for large sums.
How to avoid fees when paying in England as a French resident
If you live in France and want to avoid extra costs when paying in the UK, here are your main options:
- Use a UK card: Fee-free in the UK, but requires opening a UK account — not always practical for non-residents.
- Pay from a French GBP account: Some French banks allow accounts in pounds, but these are often limited to businesses and not widely promoted.
- Use a multi-currency card: With the Wise card, payments are free if you already have GBP in your account. If not, Wise automatically converts at the mid-market rate, with only a small fee.
Wise: a practical solution for expats in France paying in London and England
The multi-currency account from Wise makes it easier and cheaper to spend in England if you live in France:
- No commission on payments: If you already have GBP in your balance, card payments are free across the UK. If conversion is needed, Wise applies the mid-market rate with a low fee.
- No fees on incoming transfers: Your Wise account comes with a UK account number, so you can receive pounds without charges.
- Free ATM withdrawals: 2 withdrawals per month up to €200 are free. Above that, fees are 1.75% + €0.50 (see Wise rates).
Wise does not charge monthly subscription fees. You only pay once to receive your card, then only for transactions.
This article is a translation of the original article published in French and was translated within 365 days of publication. While the content has been translated for accessibility, the data and sources referenced have not been updated since the original publication date.
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