Beware of Airport Currency Exchange Scams in France
Travelers arriving in France often need quick access to euros, especially at airports. But be warned: some airport currency exchange kiosks are notorious for their high fees and terrible exchange rates, turning what should be a simple conversion into a costly mistake.
The Scam: Currency Exchange Rip-Offs at Airports
At Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Orly, and even Nice Côte d’Azur airports, foreign travelers are frequently hit with exchange rates up to 20-30% worse than the official mid-market rate. This scam is subtle: the rates are often posted, but hidden among dense fee structures or misleading terms like “0% commission.”
Companies Often Criticized
Several currency exchange companies operating in French airports have been widely criticized online for these practices:
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Travelex: One of the most recognized names globally, Travelex has kiosks in many major airports. However, they are also known for offering some of the worst exchange rates at airports, sometimes keeping 15–25% margins.
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Global Exchange: Another large operator found in many European airports, Global Exchange has attracted negative reviews for offering “tourist trap” rates and confusing pricing policies. They often advertise “no commission,” while hiding their profit in the unfavorable rate.
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ChangeGroup: Known for operating in Orly and CDG, this company has also been reported to apply dynamic pricing, where rates change frequently and favor the kiosk, not the traveler
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An Example
Say you're exchanging $500 USD to euros. The market rate might be 1 USD = 0.93 EUR, so you’d expect about 465 EUR. But at an airport exchange, you might receive as little as 390 to 420 EUR, losing over 50 to 70 EUR instantly — sometimes even more.
Tips to Avoid Getting Scammed
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Never exchange large amounts at the airport. Use a small amount for transport, then go to a city center bureau or withdraw cash from an ATM with a low-fee card.
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Use multi-currency cards like Wise, Revolut, or N26 — these often give mid-market rates with minimal fees.
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Check the rates before traveling. Apps like XE or OANDA let you see the real-time mid-market exchange rate.
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Avoid “0% commission” traps. It often means they’ve hidden the fees in a bad exchange rate.
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Don’t feel pressured. Just because you’re at the airport doesn’t mean you need to change money there.
