Practical money

What is the new ‘shimming’ bank card scam in France and how to protect yourself?

Scam is incredibly difficult to detect, but victims are refunded

How you can access French airport lounges at discounted rates

Bank accounts and loyalty schemes can open doors while you are waiting for your flight

What should I do with my old mobile phone in France?

Phones should not be discarded in your domestic household bin

practical

Graph: See France’s historic debt levels

France’s debt to GDP ratio is third-highest in Europe

Is money left to animal charity subject to the 60% tax rate in France?

Not all charities can inherit donations in a will tax-free

Partner article: What double tax treaty on inheritance means for Britons in France

One issue affecting UK nationals living in France is determining whether they are impacted by UK inheritance tax, French succession tax, or both

It will soon be much easier to withdraw cash in shops in France

Changes to the current service are intended to open it to anyone with a French bank card

Can you cancel a joint loan in France following a separation from your partner?

There are several issues to consider

Partner article: UK inheritance tax: What expats need to know

The UK’s new residence-based system can be confusing

Residents in rural France affected by bank closures

Thousands of branches have closed in recent years as fewer people use brick and mortar services

Bridging loan alternative offers French property owners quick access to finance

Specialist agents can pay up to 60% of their property's value within weeks through a new initiative

Can old driving fines in France be cancelled?

Each type of fine has a limit - but beware the clock resetting

Interest rates of French Livret A savings accounts set to fall this summer

Low inflation levels in France expected to contribute to a reduction

French tax inspectors seek €1.3m over family ‘loan’ given almost 30 years ago

Family members argue the money was actually a gift. The courts were not convinced

Three ways to make bank transfers in France despite Easter pause

Traditional payments are unavailable over four-day period

Self-employed workers in France must switch to electronic billing - what will it cost?

Union leaders warn sector is ‘in jeopardy’ over new rules

Partner article: Where should Britons in France invest – and why?

A balanced portfolio can include offshore investing in a neutral jurisdiction

Partner article: What Americans need to know about filing US tax returns in France

US citizens must declare income regardless of their place of residence

French wealth tax: Six ways to reduce what you have to pay

The property valuation threshold for France's impôt sur la fortune immobilière (IFI) in 2025 is €1.3million per tax household

Can non-residents switch banks in France easily?

Account and card costs are on the rise generally

Why contactless payments under €50 are sometimes rejected in France

The requirement of entering a PIN number for some small purchase is not random

How to value a property for France's wealth tax

Here is how to check if you have to pay the impôt sur la fortune immobilière (IFI) – and how much it will be

New rules for cross-border workers in France

Unemployed workers have less leeway to refuse roles

Why are inheritance funds still in French bank account?

Notaires are responsible for closing accounts

France extends boiler replacement grants

New incentives offer larger grants for modest-income households to switch to efficient heating systems

French tax officials have extra ‘weapons’ to challenge suspicious declarations

Taxpayers may be asked for further evidence or explanations to justify expenses or credit claims

Are we liable to French wealth tax after five years of residency card ownership?

The tax implications for UK retirees living in France post-Brexit

What are the steps to close a French bank account if moving back to the UK?

Switching bank accounts between two French accounts is easier

French income tax declarations: some good news this year

We also explain the temporary exemptions brought in for gift tax

Does using ‘trustee' in French wills raise issues?

'Trusts' have different legal recognition in France than other countries

Understand France's inheritance tax rules and nue-propriété

Question relates to situation when holder of a nue-propriété predeceases the holder of the usufruit

Chart: How does France’s inflation rate compare with that of other EU countries?

France recorded lower inflation than both UK and US at beginning of year

How to plan for your financial future in France

Effective cross-border tax and succession planning requires keeping up to date with the reforms in both countries and adapting your plans

France's falling inflation and rising local taxes require particular attention

Proactive financial planning can help you weather the storm

French tax allowance for many over-65s is rising

New levels will help to keep income tax bills low for those concerned

List: Exchange rates for declaring foreign income in 2025 French tax declarations

All foreign income must be converted and declared in euros

Watch out for these three letters on French bank transfers - they may indicate a scam

Direct debit deductions made by scammers can go unnoticed amongst legitimate payments

Recap: Recent updates and changes in France you may have missed as of February 2025

Bank fees, healthcare costs, and various changes to public transport usage are among the most noticeable

Must neo-bank ‘pots’ of non-euro currencies be declared to French tax authorities?

Foreign accounts need to be declared on annual income tax declaration

What to do if scammers try a ‘money mule’ trick on your French bank account

Scammers send you money ‘by mistake’ and become increasingly threatening if you do not return it

This French state-regulated savings account pays 3.5% (tax-free) in 2025

The Livret d’Epargne Populaire is reserved for people on modest incomes

Is it ever OK to ask your colleagues what they earn in France?

Has a shift in attitudes lead more French employees to openly discussing their earnings?

What to consider if you lend money to family members in France

Having recourse to legal protection can be useful even when dealing with those close to you

Is it right time to renegotiate mortgage on French home?

Falling interest rates prompt many homeowners to consider new deals

French bank set to charge clients who do not respond to request for information

Account holders will be given notice of impending charge before payment is taken

It is now easier for people to identify a lost or forgotten bank account in France

Requests can be made directly to the tax authorities

French PM confirms ‘minimum tax’ will apply for high earners: who is impacted?

Taxes were originally set to be scrapped before last-minute U-turn

Interest on popular ‘Livret A’ French savings accounts to drop to 2.4%

The regulated and tax-free account has not seen such a large fall in rates since 2009

Millions to receive payment from French tax service today

It relates to tax credits for certain expenses in the 2024 year

Significant bank fee rise in France in 2025: how to compare and tips to save

Account fees, ATM withdrawal charges, and bank card costs have all increased. How does your bank rate?

Many small businesses in France to be hit with costs of electronic billing

Government scraps free platform for mandatory electronic billing, forcing firms to incur additional costs

MAP: How much can you negotiate off a property purchase in France in 2025?

Chances of a successful offer vary considerably depending on the region

Month by month: What are key tax dates in France in 2025?

Spring will see annual income tax declarations made

Instant money transfers to be available for free in France from this week

Warning that the changes may see an increase in attempted bank scams

French resident loses €28,000 as savings account is inexplicably shut

He tried to withdraw money to be told account had closed nine years ago

France’s most popular regulated savings account to lower its interest rate

Lower inflation levels contribute to upcoming reduction

A guide to renting a flat or house in France: 14 questions

We look at some vital questions to help new and existing tenants find their way on the French rental market

Instant money transfers now possible between French banks with just a phone number

‘Wero’ launched in France in October and states transfers will take only 10 seconds

Not yet received interest from your French savings account? This may be why

Interest on savings accounts such as the Livret A is calculated twice a month

Cost of living in France: five things that have changed

Pension payments, interest rates, and funeral costs have all seen significant changes

Which UK bank account number should be declared on French tax return?

Information can be updated during each tax return

How are pensions worked out if employment split between France and UK?

The UK and France coordinate on pensions

Why money may be taken by French tax office from your bank account today

If you look at your bank statement it will appear as a debit by the ‘direction générale des Finances publiques’

Money, inheritance, tax, pensions: What's new in France in 2025

European Commission set to decide on French law affecting the wills of resident non-EU nationals including, for example, those from the UK and US, potentially altering inheritance plans

Bitcoin crossed €100k – how are cryptocurrency gains taxed in France?

New European regulations on cryptocurrency come into effect this month

900,000 households yet to claim 2024 French energy aid (but it is not too late)

The scheme is scheduled to end on December 31 but could be extended

Fines levied for failure to declare bank accounts held out of France

Hefty fines can be issued for each account undeclared to tax authorities

Confirmed: France’s minimum wage will not automatically rise on January 1

Recent increase placed ‘Smic’ above expected inflation levels at the start of the new year

Rise in number of French businesses failing

It means 44,000 jobs will be lost by end of year. We look at what help is available for small business owners

Rules relaxed for French salary-savings scheme

Changes mean workers will be able to get hold of funds in more circumstances

Can France’s prime d’activité benefit boost income of self-employed?

New ‘help’ service also promises assistance to those with low means

Inheritance alternatives for non-blood relatives in France

Robert Kent of Kentingtons explains the various options alongside traditional inheritance

France’s 2024 Christmas bonus: who is eligible and how much is it?

The annual one-off payment for people on income support benefits falls on December 13

Are old euro banknotes still valid in France?

A new series intended to be harder to counterfeit began circulating in 2013

What would it mean for France if the euro is weaker than the US dollar?

The exchange rate is at levels not seen since 2022 since the re-election of Donald Trump

Practical money

What is the new ‘shimming’ bank card scam in France and how to protect yourself?

How you can access French airport lounges at discounted rates

What should I do with my old mobile phone in France?

Graph: See France’s historic debt levels

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Are the French air traffic controller strikes going to continue?

More French roads return to 90km/h speed limit

Heatwave eases in France - but is another on the way? July weather forecast

What is the new ‘shimming’ bank card scam in France and how to protect yourself?

Stena Line to end popular France-Ireland ferry crossing

Photos: four historic French châteaux on sale for under €1 million

World-first charge-as-you-drive motorway ready for September tests in France

Is money left to animal charity subject to the 60% tax rate in France?

Partner article: What double tax treaty on inheritance means for Britons in France

It will soon be much easier to withdraw cash in shops in France

Can you cancel a joint loan in France following a separation from your partner?

Partner article: UK inheritance tax: What expats need to know

Residents in rural France affected by bank closures

Bridging loan alternative offers French property owners quick access to finance

Can old driving fines in France be cancelled?

Interest rates of French Livret A savings accounts set to fall this summer

French tax inspectors seek €1.3m over family ‘loan’ given almost 30 years ago

How can I check my French pension contributions?

Reader tips on how to save money buying food in France

France considers linking health reimbursements to income to curb deficit

Three ways to make bank transfers in France despite Easter pause

Millions to receive email as France changes benefits system

France's 2026 budget: how new plans could affect residents

Can a French bank account be opened before moving?

Does residency of children affect French gift tax limits?

Bank transfers in France will soon be paused for a few days

Self-employed workers in France must switch to electronic billing - what will it cost?

Partner article: Where should Britons in France invest – and why?

Partner article: What Americans need to know about filing US tax returns in France

French wealth tax: Six ways to reduce what you have to pay

Can non-residents switch banks in France easily?

Why contactless payments under €50 are sometimes rejected in France

How to value a property for France's wealth tax

New rules for cross-border workers in France

Why are inheritance funds still in French bank account?

France extends boiler replacement grants

French tax officials have extra ‘weapons’ to challenge suspicious declarations

Are we liable to French wealth tax after five years of residency card ownership?

What are the steps to close a French bank account if moving back to the UK?

French income tax declarations: some good news this year

Does using ‘trustee' in French wills raise issues?

Understand France's inheritance tax rules and nue-propriété

Chart: How does France’s inflation rate compare with that of other EU countries?

How to plan for your financial future in France

France's falling inflation and rising local taxes require particular attention

French tax allowance for many over-65s is rising

List: Exchange rates for declaring foreign income in 2025 French tax declarations

Watch out for these three letters on French bank transfers - they may indicate a scam

Recap: Recent updates and changes in France you may have missed as of February 2025

Must neo-bank ‘pots’ of non-euro currencies be declared to French tax authorities?

What to do if scammers try a ‘money mule’ trick on your French bank account

This French state-regulated savings account pays 3.5% (tax-free) in 2025

Is it ever OK to ask your colleagues what they earn in France?

What to consider if you lend money to family members in France

Is it right time to renegotiate mortgage on French home?

French bank set to charge clients who do not respond to request for information

It is now easier for people to identify a lost or forgotten bank account in France

French PM confirms ‘minimum tax’ will apply for high earners: who is impacted?

Interest on popular ‘Livret A’ French savings accounts to drop to 2.4%

Millions to receive payment from French tax service today

Significant bank fee rise in France in 2025: how to compare and tips to save

Many small businesses in France to be hit with costs of electronic billing

MAP: How much can you negotiate off a property purchase in France in 2025?

Month by month: What are key tax dates in France in 2025?

Instant money transfers to be available for free in France from this week

French resident loses €28,000 as savings account is inexplicably shut

France’s most popular regulated savings account to lower its interest rate

A guide to renting a flat or house in France: 14 questions

Instant money transfers now possible between French banks with just a phone number

Not yet received interest from your French savings account? This may be why

Cost of living in France: five things that have changed

Which UK bank account number should be declared on French tax return?

How are pensions worked out if employment split between France and UK?

Why money may be taken by French tax office from your bank account today