How to pay in England and London if you live in France: what are the options?
Discover fee-free payment options for England & London. Avoid EUR/GBP exchange rate markups & save money on your UK trip!
Can you pay in pounds sterling with a euro account from France?
Heading to England from France for holidays or business? You may wonder: can you pay in Pounds Sterling with a card linked to a Euro account?
If you have a Mastercard or Visa, the answer is yes — but it might be costly. Your bank will likely charge foreign transaction fees, and the exchange rate applied may not be in your favor.
To optimize your spending, it’s best to travel with a multi-currency card. The Wise card, for instance, lets you pay in Pounds Sterling at the mid-market exchange rate. Plus, your first two withdrawals (up to €200) are free each month.
Can you pay in Euros in England?
Except for certain places like airports, duty-free shops, or ferry terminals, you can’t use euros in England.
To get Pounds Sterling, here are your main options:
- Order currency before you leave: Most French banks can exchange euros for pounds. However, this usually involves service fees, a waiting period of about a week, and an exchange rate that’s rarely competitive.
- Withdraw from an ATM: With an international Mastercard or Visa, you can withdraw pounds directly in the UK. But remember — your bank and the ATM provider may both charge fees, and the exchange rate won’t necessarily be favorable.
- Visit a currency exchange bureau: A simple solution, but often the least transparent. Exchange rates can be poor, and commissions high — especially at bureaus in airports, stations, or tourist areas. You’ll get better rates in quieter neighborhoods.
Can you pay in Pounds with a Euro account in the UK?
While you can’t use euros directly, you can pay by card from your euro account.
Before you travel, take a few precautions to avoid issues:
- Check your card’s international compatibility: Most Visa and Mastercard cards work abroad, but confirm with your bank first.
- Inform your bank of your travel plans: This prevents your transactions from being flagged as suspicious and your card from being blocked.
- Review your spending limits: Ask your advisor to adjust withdrawal and payment limits if needed — though this may come with a fee.
- Save your bank’s emergency contact numbers: Keep them in a secure place (not your wallet) and store them on your phone in case you need to block your card.
Paying in Pounds with a Euro account: how much does it cost?
Each bank has its own pricing structure for foreign payments.
Some, like La Banque Postale, charge only a percentage — up to 2.30% per payment.¹
Others, like Crédit Mutuel Île-de-France, charge both a fixed fee and a percentage (up to €0.33 + 2.50% per transaction, capped at €10).²
In addition to these commissions, banks usually apply a marked-up exchange rate, meaning you pay more than the mid-market rate without realizing it.
How to reduce card payment fees in the UK
Avoid withdrawing Pounds Sterling from ATMs
Before leaving France, check your bank’s foreign ATM fees. If they include a fixed fee, avoid frequent small withdrawals.
For example, Caisse d’Epargne (Île-de-France) charges €1 + 2.80% for card payments and 2.80% + €3.20 for ATM withdrawals outside the Eurozone.³
If you must withdraw cash, take out a larger amount at once to reduce the impact of fixed fees.
Prefer card payments over cash withdrawals
For most banks, card payments are cheaper than ATM withdrawals. For example, BNP Paribas charges 2.90% + €0.90 for card payments and 2.90% + €3 for withdrawals (except Visa Infinite cards).⁴
Whenever possible, choose card payments to limit costs.
International banking packages and options
If you travel abroad regularly, ask your bank about their international packages. These paid options may reduce or eliminate transaction fees.
Société Générale, for instance, offers several “Sobrio” and “Jazz” packages that include free or discounted payments and withdrawals outside the Eurozone.⁵
BNP Paribas customers benefit from free withdrawals at Global Alliance and Global Network partner ATMs, though exchange rate fees still apply.⁴
Use your Wise card to pay in Pounds in the UK
The Wise card is a simple, cost-effective way to spend and withdraw money while in England.
It converts your euros into pounds at the mid-market exchange rate, without hidden markups.
Payments are commission-free if you already hold pounds in your Wise balance, and your first two withdrawals (up to €200 total per month) are completely free.
If you plan to stay in the UK long-term, your Wise account gives you a UK Sort Code and account number, letting you receive payments and pay bills like a local.
Sources:
- La Banque Postale Fee Schedule
- Crédit Mutuel Île-de-France Fee Schedule
- Caisse d'Epargne Île-de-France Fee Schedule
- BNP Paribas Fee Schedule
- Société Générale Fee Schedule
Last verified on September 10, 2025.
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.
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
