If you are entering France with €10,000 or more in cash (or the equivalent in other currencies), you must declare it to French Customs. This applies to any person crossing the border, regardless of nationality or residence.
This includes banknotes and coins, but also traveller’s cheques, bearer negotiable instruments (certain cheques, promissory notes), gold, and even prepaid cards.
Debit or credit cards have no restrictions. Almost all French businesses accept Visa or Mastercard, but American Express is not always accepted.
This obligation applies to anyone carrying €10,000 or more, whether they personally own the money or are transporting it for someone else. If a couple/family travels together and the total amount carried is €10,000 or more, this also triggers the requirement (unless you can prove individual ownership under specific rules).
You can submit your declaration for free online via the Dalia service, no earlier than 30 days before your travel date and no later than before crossing the border. This can also be done at customs upon entry to or exit from French territory.
In the case of transporting cash for a third party, your declaration must be completed by identifying the owner of the cash being transported.
Meanwhile, for sums of €50,000 or more, French customs may require you to provide proof of the origin of the funds.
If you fail to declare amounts equal to or less than €10,000, this can lead to the funds being seized along with a fine up to 50 percent of the amount. Other legal consequences may apply as well.
For more information on how to bring cash into France check here.
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