It is strongly suggested that at the beginning of your semester /year abroad you bring enough spending money to last until your return to the States. You will need pocket money for lunches, weekend meals, bus fares, laundry, postage, theater, movies, and cafés. Although spending habits vary among students, plan on approximately $1,800 to $2,000 per semester for these expenses. Dollar-Euro exchange rates fluctuate. Most daily papers list global currency comparisons in the financial section.
Expect costs for the first months to be double those for subsequent months; initial purchases, adjusting to foreign currency and a new life are expensive. Do not count on earning money while abroad. Employment for foreigners is strictly prohibited.
The simplest and safest way to bring money with you is in Traveler's Checks. They are easily transferred into Euros and may be refunded if lost or stolen.
Change approximately $100 at your bank, or at the airport before departure or on arrival.
Keep all money and checks in a money belt, neck pouch, or other safe place on your person. Precautions against theft should be taken at all times and particularly on trains and buses! Purses, wallets, passports, credit cards, money are lost each year through lack of vigilance. Never, never, never put your documents, money, or traveler's checks in your backpack.
Make photocopies of valuable documents (passport, driver's license, etc.), and carry these separately in your suitcase.Personal Checks
Best Ways of Getting Money from the United States
Western Union
You can have money sent by Western Union ot the General Post Offices. Make sure to get the transport number code, the exact amount of money sent and the exact first and last name of the sender. La Poste will receive your money within a few hours and it must be claimed within 3 days. Be sure to take your passport as identification to claim the money.
Credit Cards and Bank Cards
If you have the green American Express credit card, you may withdraw up to $1000 in Traveler's Checks or cash ($ or Euros) every day.
The VISA credit card is widely accepted by many businesses and with certain types of accounts (depending on your credit line) you may withdraw up to $1,000 or the equivalent in Euros. Any of the major banks on the Cours Mirabeau or Cours Sextius (Aix) and the Boulevard de la République (Avignon) can perform this service for you. If you have a Master Card credit card you may obtain a cash advance from Crédit Agricole offices in Aix and Avignon.
There are numerous 24-hour ATMs in both Aix and Avignon, as well as all over Europe. With a bankcard (PIN number required), cash withdrawals are possible on your home accounts.
Purchasing Foreign Currency While in France
You may, of course, purchase foreign currency for traveling. You may also purchase cashier's checks in US dollars from the American Express office in Aix if you need to send funds back to the US.